Diet and hypertension in the Asia-Pacific region: a brief review

In this paper, the possible reasons for the prevalence of hypertension in the Asia-Pacific region are examined, along with its likely dietary, nutritional and sociocultural causes. This brief survey indicates the need for more comprehensive blood pressure monitoring and surveillance throughout the region. Findings from research conducted in the region and elsewhere suggest that a variety of aetiological factors predict the occurrence of hypertension, most of which are similar to those observed in western populations. However, several lines of research suggest that obesity, abdominal obesity and a number of dietary constituents, in addition to salt. may play relatively greater roles than in western populations. It is argued that hypertension may be prevented via a combination of individual, community and governmental approaches which promote social capital, environmentally sustainable food production and the public health.