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. 2021 Sep 23;2021:5594718. doi: 10.1155/2021/5594718

Combined Effect of Famine Exposure and Obesity Parameters on Hypertension in the Midaged and Older Adult: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Lin Zhang 1, Liu Yang 1, Congzhi Wang 1, Ting Yuan 2, Dongmei Zhang 3, Huanhuan Wei 2, Jing Li 4, Yunxiao Lei 2, Lu Sun 5, Xiaoping Li 5, Ying Hua 6, Hengying Che 7,✉, Yuanzhen Li 5,✉
PMCID: PMC8486537  PMID: 34604385

Abstract

Objectives

Undernutrition early in life may increase the incidence of adverse effects on adult health. The relations between undernutrition and obesity parameters (body mass index (BMI) and WC (waist circle)) and hypertension were often contradictory. Our study is aimed at identifying the combined effects of famine exposure and obesity parameters on hypertension in middle-aged and older Chinese.

Design

A population-based cross-sectional study. Setting. Data were selected from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study Wave2011 (CHARLS Wave2011). Participants. The sample included 12945 individuals aged 45 to 96. Main Outcome Measurements. The study analyzed data from 12945 middle-aged and older Chinese selected from CHARLS Wave2011. Differences between baseline characteristics and famine exposure/BMI levels/WC levels were evaluated using the t-, Chi-square- (χ2-), and F-test. Then, the difference in the prevalence of hypertension between baseline characteristics was estimated by the t- and χ2-test. Finally, multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models were used to explore the associations of famine exposure and obesity parameters with odds of prevalence of hypertension.

Results

Among the 12945 participants, 1548 (11.96%) participants had been exposed to the Chinese famine during the fetal group, whereas 5101 (39.41%) participants and 4362 (33.70%) participants had been exposed to the famine during childhood and adolescence/adult group, respectively. Regarding the participants with BMI levels, 3746 (28.94%) were overweight, and 1465 (11.32%) were obese, whereas 5345 (41.29%) of the participants with WC levels were obese, respectively. Furthermore, 1920 (31.17%) had hypertension in males and 2233 (32.91%) in females. In multivariable-adjusted models, famine exposure and obesity parameters were related with prevalence of hypertension independently in total populations ((1) model threec, famine exposure with prevalence of hypertension: the fatal-exposed vs. no-exposed group (OR1.27; 95% CI 1.08, 1.49); childhood-exposed vs. no-exposed group (OR1.64; 95% CI 1.44, 1.87); the adolescence/adult-exposed vs. no-exposed group (OR3.06; 95% CI 2.68, 3.50); P for trend < 0.001; (2) model threee, famine exposure with prevalence of hypertension: the fatal-exposed vs. no-exposed group (OR1.25; 95% CI 1.06, 1.47); childhood-exposed vs. no-exposed group (OR1.52; 95% CI 1.34, 1.73); the adolescence/adult-exposed vs. no-exposed group (OR2.66; 95% CI 2.33, 3.03); P for trend < 0.001; (3) model threeg, BMI levels with prevalence of hypertension: overweight vs. normal (OR1.75; 95% CI 1.60, 1.91); obesity vs. normal (OR2.79; 95% CI 2.48, 3.15); P for trend < 0.001; (4) WC levels with prevalence of hypertension: overweight vs. normal (OR1.42; 95% CI 1.36, 1.48)). When stratified by sex, results in both males and females were mostly similar to those in the total population. In general, interaction analysis in the multivariable-adjusted model, compared with the combination of normal BMI/WC levels and no-exposed famine group, all groups trended towards higher odds of prevalence of hypertension (the greatest increase in odds, adolescence/adult-exposed group with obesity in BMI levels: (OR8.13; 95% CI 6.18, 10.71); adolescence/adult-exposed group with obesity in WC levels: (OR6.36; 95% CI 5.22, 7.75); P for interaction < 0.001). When stratified by sex, the results in both males and females were also similar to those in the total population.

Conclusion

Our data support a strongly positive combined effect of famine exposure and obesity parameters on hypertension in middle-aged and elderly Chinese.

1. Introduction

Hypertension or elevated blood pressure (BP) is a severe medical condition that significantly increases the risks of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) as well as other chronic diseases [1–3], such as congenital heart disease, heart failure, heart attack, peripheral vascular disease, stroke, and vascular disease. Hypertension modifiable risk factors [4–8] include age, sex, life stress, excessive drinking, high-salt diet, being overweight or obese, saturated fat and trans fats, tobacco use, low intake of fruits and vegetables, lack of physical activity, family history, low diet in vitamin D, advanced age, and coexisting diseases. Though the etiology of hypertension is complex, it was known as one of the strongest risk factors was overweight or obesity. Thus, increased body mass index (BMI) or centrally located body fat (especially waist circle (WC)) increases the risk of hypertension. In addition to known and probable risk factors for hypertension, early life malnutrition may also have an effect on hypertension.

It was hypothesized that early developmental adaptions in response to malnutrition in early life, which are the main factor for short-term survival, have adverse cardiovascular outcomes [9, 10]. Historical famine exposure has provided a unique and natural opportunity to identify the hypothesis. Several previous studies [11–23] have provided evidence to support the relationship between famine exposure and increased risk of hypertension. Most studies [11, 13, 14, 16–23] have found that exposure to famine in early life could increase the risk of hypertension/BP in adulthood. Furthermore, exposure to famine has more deleterious effects on adult health for females than males [12, 15]. However, other studies [13, 24, 25] found no relationship between famine exposure and hypertension. Therefore, the relationship between famine exposure in early life and the risk of hypertension/BP needs to be further investigated. Moreover, studies also provided that malnutrition in early life [26–31] was more positively correlated with obesity among adults in late life. Generally speaking, it is not completed understood association and interaction analysis between famine exposure and obesity parameters (BMI and WC) and hypertension in the midage and older adult.

Given the limitations of previous studies, our study analyzed data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study Wave2011 (CHARLS Wave2011) and is aimed at exploring the individual and combined effects of famine exposure and obesity parameters on hypertension after adjustment for potential confounding variables.

2. Methods

2.1. Study Design and Setting

Data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study Wave2011 (CHARLS Wave2011) were used in our study. The CHARLS was a nationally representative longitudinal study conducted by the China Centre for Economic Research at Peking University [32]. In the CHARLS Wave2011, 13107 individuals were recruited for the baseline, after excluding participants with missing data, 12945 individuals were included in our study. All data are openly published as microdata at http://charls.pku.edu.cn/index/zh-cn.html with no direct contact with individuals. The Ethics Committee of the China Centre for Economic Research at Peking University approved the study; all individuals have provided informed consent before the data collection.

2.2. Individuals

The individuals of the study were selected from the CHARLS Wave2011 [32]. The mean age of CHARLS involved 12945 individuals was 59.33 years (standard deviation (SD) = 9.48, ranged from 45 to 96 years). The mean age was 59.88 years (SD = 9.36, ranged from 45 to 90 years) in males and 58.83 years (SD = 9.55, ranged from 45 to 96 years) in females.

2.3. Baseline Characteristics

Baseline characteristics including age, sex (0 = male; 1 = female), marital status (0 = single; 1 = married), education (0 = illiterate; 1 = less than elementary school; 2 = high school; 3 = above vocational school), living place (0 = rural; 1 = urban), smoking status (0 = no; 1 = former smoke; 2 = current smoke), drinking status (0 = no; 1 = less than once a month; 2 = more than once a month), eating habit (0 = ≤2 meals per day; 1 = 3 meals per day; 2 = ≥4 meals per day), social activities (0 = no; 1 = yes), experience of traumatic events (0 = no; 1 = yes), and physical exercise habit (0 = no; 1 = less than regular physical exercises; 2 = regular physical exercises) were collected by self-report. Most variables were depending on our previous research studies [33–38].

2.4. Measurements

BMI was calculated based on the measured weight and height of the participants. Tapeline was localized at navel levels to read the WC at the end of exhalation. Using the standard China definition, BMI was categorized into three groups [39]: obesity (BMI ≥ 28 kg/m2), overweight (24 ≤ BMI < 28 kg/m2), and underweight and normal (BMI < 24 kg/m2). Central obesity was defined as a WC [40] of ≥85 cm for females and ≥90 cm for males. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) of ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of ≥90 mmHg; the definition has been used in our previous studies [33, 35, 37, 38].

2.5. Exposure Age and Exposed Groups

Famine exposure is set up on the previous Chinese famine study [41]; famine exposure was categorized into four exposure groups: no-exposed group (birth year between 1963-01-01 and 1966-12-31), fetal-exposed group (birth year 1959-01-01 and 1962-12-31), childhood-exposed group (birth year 1949-01-01 and 1958-12-31), and adolescence/adult-exposed group (birth year between1921-01-01 and 1948-12-31).

2.6. Statistical Analysis

Analyses were conducted using SPSS software, version 22.0 (IBM SPSS, Armonk, NY, USA). The data are presented as mean ± SD unless indicated otherwise. Means and SD (continuous data) were used to measure the continuous variable (age), and count and percentage were used to describe categorical variables (sex, education, marital status, living place, drinking status, smoking habit, eating habit, social activities, the experience of traumatic events, taking physical activity or exercise, famine exposure, BMI levels, WC levels, and hypertension categories). Between-group differences according to hypertension (hypertension and no-hypertension) were evaluated by the chi-square test (categorical data). Differences between baseline characteristics (sex, education, marital status, living place, drinking status, smoking habit, eating habit, social activities, the experience of traumatic events, and taking physical activity or exercise) and categories of famine exposure groups/BMI levels/WC levels were also evaluated using the chi-square test (categorical data). Age between groups was used by t- or F-test. Logistic regression models were used to compute ORs with accompanying 95% CIs as estimates of associations of BMI/WC levels and exposure groups separately and in combination, with the prevalence of hypertension. Two-tailed P < 5% was considered to indicate statistical significance.

3. Results

Table 1 shows the basic characteristics of participants. A total of 12945 individuals were enrolled into the study; 6159 (47.58%) participants and 6786 (52.42%) participants were male and female, respectively. Among males, 676 (10.98%) participants had been exposed to the Chinese famine during the fetal group, whereas 2448 (39.75%) participants and 2233 (36.26%) participants had been exposed to the famine during childhood and adolescence/adult groups, respectively. Among females, 872 (12.85%) participants had been exposed to the Chinese famine during the fetal group, whereas 2653 (39.10%) participants and 2129 (31.37%) participants had been exposed to the famine during childhood and adolescence/adult groups, respectively. The distribution of living place and experience of traumatic events did not demonstrate significantly statistical differences among the four birth groups. On the other hand, the difference was observed in the distribution of age, sex, education, marital status, smoking status, drinking status, eating habit, social events, and physical exercise habit. Regarding the males, 4088 (66.37%) were underweight and normal, 1572 (25.52%) were overweight, and 499 (8.10%) were obese, whereas 3646 (53.73%), 2174 (32.04%), and 966 (14.24%) of the females were underweight and normal, overweight, and obese, respectively. Furthermore, significant differences in distribution were observed between BMI levels in all variables, including age, sex, education, marital status, living place, smoking status, drinking status, eating habit, social events, the experience of traumatic events, and physical exercise habit. Among the WC measures, 1839 (29.86%) were central obesity in males and 3506 (51.67%) in females. The proportions on the characteristics were statistically different between the WC groups except for age and marital status.

Table 1.

Characteristics of participants in the cross-sectional study by level of famine exposure, BMI, and central obesity (N = 12945).

Characteristics Famine exposure χ2/F P BMI χ2/F P Central obesity χ2/t P
No-exposed Fetal-exposed Childhood-exposed Adolescence/adult-exposed Underweight and normal Overweight Obesity Normal Obesity
N 1934 1548 5101 4362 7734 3746 1465 7600 5345
Age 46.75 ± 1.07 50.26 ± 1.17 57.54 ± 2.78 70.22 ± 5.90 21351.166 <0.001 60.38 ± 9.78 57.88 ± 8.77 57.47 ± 8.78 121.799 <0.001 59.45 ± 9.57 59.15 ± 9.35 1.773 0.076
Sex
 Male 802 (41.47) 676 (43.67) 2448 (47.99) 2233 (51.19) 61.618 <0.001 4088 (52.86) 1572 (41.96) 499 (34.06) 241.067 <0.001 4320 (56.84) 1839 (34.41) 633.337 <0.001
 Female 1132 (58.53) 872 (56.33) 2653 (52.01) 2129 (48.81) 3646 (47.14) 2174 (58.04) 966 (65.94) 3280 (43.16) 3506 (65.59)
Education
 Illiterate 210 (10.86) 263 (16.99) 1442 (28.27) 1689 (38.72) 1102.252 <0.001 2282 (29.51) 933 (24.91) 389 (26.55) 75.386 <0.001 2037 (26.8) 1567 (29.32) 29.604 <0.001
 Less than elementary school 1452 (75.08) 926 (59.82) 3163 (62.01) 2398 (54.97) 4742 (61.31) 2296 (61.29) 901 (61.50) 4776 (62.84) 3163 (59.18)
 High school 190 (9.82) 293 (18.93) 364 (7.14) 63 (1.44) 477 (6.17) 326 (8.70) 107 (7.30) 541 (7.12) 369 (6.9)
 Above vocational school 82 (4.24) 66 (4.26) 132 (2.59) 212 (4.86) 233 (3.01) 191 (5.10) 68 (4.64) 246 (3.24) 246 (4.6)
Marital status
 Single 68 (3.52) 93 (6.01) 427 (8.37) 1065 (24.42) 831.933 <0.001 1148 (14.84) 356 (9.50) 149 (10.17) 74.624 <0.001 986 (12.97) 667 (12.48) 0.690 0.406
 Married 1866 (96.48) 1455 (93.99) 4674 (91.63) 3297 (75.58) 6586 (85.16) 3390 (90.50) 1316 (89.83) 6614 (87.03) 4678 (87.52)
Living place
 Rural 1178 (60.91) 961 (62.08) 3228 (63.28) 2790 (63.96) 6.090 0.107 5299 (68.52) 2103 (56.14) 755 (51.54) 259.203 <0.001 5218 (68.66) 2939 (54.99) 251.674 <0.001
 Urban 756 (39.09) 587 (37.92) 1873 (36.72) 1572 (36.04) 2435 (31.48) 1643 (43.86) 710 (48.46) 2382 (31.34) 2406 (45.01)
Smoking status
 No 1302 (67.32) 981 (63.37) 2998 (58.77) 2467 (56.56) 174.199 <0.001 4209 (54.42) 2479 (66.18) 1060 (72.35) 359.354 <0.001 4002 (52.66) 3746 (70.08) 495.644 <0.001
 Former smoker 111 (5.74) 76 (4.91) 426 (8.35) 564 (12.93) 647 (8.37) 383 (10.22) 147 (10.03) 667 (8.78) 510 (9.54)
 Current smoker 521 (26.94) 491 (31.72) 1677 (32.88) 1331 (30.51) 2878 (37.21) 884 (23.6) 258 (17.61) 2931 (38.57) 1089 (20.37)
Drinking status
 No 1272 (65.77) 1001 (64.66) 3369 (66.05) 3042 (69.74) 35.519 <0.001 4963 (64.17) 2620 (69.94) 1101 (75.15) 94.448 <0.001 4751 (62.51) 3933 (73.58) 180.725 <0.001
 Less than once a month 179 (9.26) 158 (10.21) 405 (7.94) 292 (6.69) 640 (8.28) 285 (7.61) 109 (7.44) 656 (8.63) 378 (7.07)
 More than once a month 483 (24.97) 389 (25.13) 1327 (26.01) 1028 (23.57) 2131 (27.55) 841 (22.45) 255 (17.41) 2193 (28.86) 1034 (19.35)
Eating habit
 ≤2 meals per day 272 (14.06) 203 (13.11) 585 (11.47) 652 (14.95) 37.603 <0.001 1157 (14.96) 407 (10.86) 148 (10.10) 73.602 <0.001 1101 (14.49) 611 (11.43) 39.126 <0.001
 3 meals per day 1643 (84.95) 1328 (85.79) 4414 (86.53) 3642 (83.49) 6425 (83.07) 3294 (87.93) 1308 (89.28) 6354 (83.61) 4673 (87.43)
 ≥4 meals per day 19 (0.98) 17 (1.10) 102 (2) 68 (1.56) 152 (1.97) 45 (1.20) 9 (0.61) 145 (1.91) 61 (1.14)
Social events
 No 844 (43.64) 683 (44.12) 2597 (50.91) 2313 (53.03) 69.975 <0.001 4085 (52.82) 1715 (45.78) 637 (43.48) 75.751 <0.001 3931 (51.72) 2506 (46.88) 29.390 <0.001
 Yes 1090 (56.36) 865 (55.88) 2504 (49.09) 2049 (46.97) 3649 (47.18) 2031 (54.22) 828 (56.52) 3669 (48.28) 2839 (53.12)
Experience of traumatic events
 No 1743 (90.12) 1396 (90.18) 4579 (89.77) 3959 (90.76) 2.651 0.449 6947 (89.82) 3379 (90.20) 1351 (92.22) 7.991 0.018 6798 (89.45) 4879 (91.28) 11.948 0.001
 Yes 191 (9.88) 152 (9.82) 522 (10.23) 403 (9.24) 787 (10.18) 367 (9.80) 114 (7.78) 802 (10.55) 466 (8.72)
Physical exercise habit
 No physical exercise 1187 (61.38) 919 (59.37) 3132 (61.40) 2793 (64.03) 18.363 0.005 4806 (62.14) 2293 (61.21) 932 (63.62) 13.830 0.008 4710 (61.97) 3321 (62.13) 6.259 0.044
 Less than regular physical exercises 389 (20.11) 321 (20.74) 973 (19.07) 745 (17.08) 1504 (19.45) 679 (18.13) 245 (16.72) 1471 (19.36) 957 (17.90)
 Regular physical exercises 358 (18.51) 308 (19.90) 996 (19.53) 824 (18.89) 1424 (18.41) 774 (20.66) 288 (19.66) 1419 (18.67) 1067 (19.96)
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Table 2 shows the characteristics of study participants categorized by blood pressure status. Of the participants, 1920 (31.17%) reported having hypertension in male and 2233 (32.91%) in the female. Significant differences were observed in age, sex, education, marital status, living place, drinking status, the experience of traumatic events, famine groups, BMI levels, and WC groups (P < 0.05) between participants with and without hypertension.

Table 2.

Characteristics of study participants of cross-sectional study categorized by blood pressure status (N = 12945).

Variables Without hypertension
N = 8792		 Hypertension
N = 4153		 Total χ2/t P
Age 58.07 ± 8.99 62.00 ± 9.92 59.33 ± 9.48 -21.720 <0.001
Sex 4.445 0.035
 Male 4239 (48.21) 1920 (46.23) 6159 (47.58)
 Female 4553 (51.79) 2233 (53.77) 6786 (52.42)
Education
 Illiterate 2262 (25.73) 1342 (32.31) 3604 (27.84) 69.641 <0.001
 Less than elementary school 5526 (62.85) 2413 (58.1) 7939 (61.33)
 High school 673 (7.65) 237 (5.71) 910 (7.03)
 Above vocational school 331 (3.76) 161 (3.88) 492 (3.8)
Marital status
 Single 919 (10.45) 734 (17.67) 1653 (12.77) <0.001
 Married 7873 (89.55) 3419 (82.33) 11292 (87.23) 132.050
Living place
 Rural 5671 (64.5) 2486 (59.86) 8157 (63.01) 26.072 <0.001
 Urban 3121 (35.5) 1667 (40.14) 4788 (36.99)
Smoking status
 No 5265 (59.88) 2483 (59.79) 7748 (59.85) 4.187 0.123
 Former smoke 770 (8.76) 407 (9.80) 1177 (9.09)
 Current smoke 2757 (31.36) 1263 (30.41) 4020 (31.05)
Drinking status
 No 5852 (66.56) 2832 (68.19) 8684 (67.08) 11.233 0.004
 Less than once a month 750 (8.53) 284 (6.84) 1034 (7.99)
 More than once a month 2190 (24.91) 1037 (24.97) 3227 (24.93)
Eating habit
 ≤2 meals per day 1144 (13.01) 568 (13.68) 1712 (13.23) 1.258 0.533
 3 meals per day 7505 (85.36) 3522 (84.81) 11027 (85.18)
 ≥4 meals per day 143 (1.63) 63 (1.52) 206 (1.59)
Social events
 No 4336 (49.32) 2101 (50.59) 6437 (49.73) 1.827 0.177
 Yes 4456 (50.68) 2052 (49.41) 6508 (50.27)
Experience of traumatic events
 No 7881 (89.64) 3796 (91.40) 11677 (90.20) 9.950 0.002
 Yes 911 (10.36) 357 (8.60) 1268 (9.80)
Physical exercise habit
 No physical exercise 5409 (61.52) 2622 (63.14) 8031 (62.04) 3.162 0.206
 Less than regular physical exercises 1675 (19.05) 753 (18.13) 2428 (18.76)
 Regular physical exercises 1708 (19.43) 778 (18.73) 2486 (19.2)
Famine exposure
 No-exposed 1536 (17.47) 398 (9.58) 1934 (14.94) 420.894 <0.001
 Fetal-exposed 1167 (13.27) 381 (9.17) 1548 (11.96)
 Childhood-exposed 3609 (41.05) 1492 (35.93) 5101 (39.41)
 Adolescence/adult-exposed 2480 (28.21) 1882 (45.32) 4362 (33.7)
BMI
 Underweight and normal 5625 (63.98) 2109 (50.78) 7734 (59.75) 257.301 <0.001
 Overweight 2387 (27.15) 1359 (32.72) 3746 (28.94)
 Obesity 780 (8.87) 685 (16.49) 1465 (11.32)
Central obesity
 Normal 5647 (64.23) 1953 (47.03) 7600 (58.71) 344.333 <0.001
 Obesity 3145 (35.77) 2200 (52.97) 5345 (41.29)
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Table 3 shows the separate associations of famine exposure, BMI, and central obesity with the prevalence of hypertension. Firstly, after controlling for confounding factors including age, education, marital status, living place, smoking status, drinking status, eating habit, social activities, the experience of traumatic events, taking physical activity or exercise, and famine exposure in a multivariable logistic regression model three, higher odds of prevalence of hypertension in the total population were observed with increasing levels of BMI (overweight vs. normal: 1.75 (95% CI 1.60, 1.91); obesity vs. normal: 2.79 (95% CI 2.48, 3.15)) and WC (overweight vs. normal: 1.42 (95% CI 1.36, 1.48)) independently of famine groups only (BMI, P for trend < 0.001). When stratified by sex, the results of model three in both males and females were mostly similar to those in the total population. Secondly, after controlling for confounding factors including age, education, marital status, living place, smoking status, drinking status, eating habit, social activities, the experience of traumatic events, taking physical activity or exercise, and BMI in a multivariable logistic regression model three, higher odds of prevalence of hypertension in the total population were observed with famine-exposed groups (fatal-exposed group vs. nonexposed group: 1.27 (95% CI 1.08, 1.49); childhood-exposed group vs. nonexposed group: 1.64 (95% CI 1.44, 1.87); adolescence/adult-exposed group vs. nonexposed group: 3.06 (95% CI 2.68, 3.50), P for trend < 0.001) independently of BMI only (P for trend < 0.001). When stratified by sex, the results of model three in both males and females were mostly similar to those in the total population. Lastly, after controlling for confounding factors including age, education, marital status, living place, smoking status, drinking status, eating habit, social activities, the experience of traumatic events, taking physical activity or exercise, and WC in a multivariable logistic regression model three, higher odds of prevalence of hypertension in the total population were observed with famine-exposed groups (fatal-exposed group vs. nonexposed group: 1.25 (95% CI 1.06, 1.47); childhood-exposed group vs. nonexposed group: 1.52 (95% CI 1.34, 1.73); adolescence/adult-exposed group vs. nonexposed group: 2.66 (95% CI 2.33, 3.03), P for trend < 0.001) independently of WC only (P for trend < 0.001). When stratified by sex, the results of model three in both males and females were mostly similar to those in the total population.

Table 3.

Separate associations of famine exposure, BMI, and central obesity with the prevalence of hypertension (N = 12945).

Variables Male (OR and 95% CI for hypertension) Female (OR and 95% CI for hypertension) Total (OR and 95% CI for hypertension)
Famine exposure Model onea Model twob Model threec Model onea Model twob Model threec Model onea Model twob Model threec
 No-exposed 1.00 (reference) 1.00 (reference) 1.00 (reference) 1.00 (reference) 1.00 (reference) 1.00 (reference) 1.00 (reference) 1.00 (reference) 1.00 (reference)
 Fetal-exposed 1.28 (1.01, 1.63) 1.33 (1.04, 1.69) 1.31 (1.03, 1.67) 1.24 (1.00, 1.53) 1.22 (0.98, 1.51) 1.23 (0.99, 1.53) 1.26 (1.07, 1.48) 1.27 (1.08, 1.49) 1.27 (1.08, 1.49)
 Childhood-exposed 1.47 (1.22, 1.78) 1.59 (1.32, 1.93) 1.59 (1.31, 1.93) 1.69 (1.43, 2.00) 1.66 (1.40, 1.97) 1.67 (1.41, 1.99) 1.60 (1.41, 1.81) 1.65 (1.45, 1.88) 1.64 (1.44, 1.87)
 Adolescence/adult-exposed 2.18 (1.80, 2.63) 2.46 (2.02, 2.98) 2.52 (2.07, 3.07) 3.87 (3.27, 4.59) 3.82 (3.19, 4.59) 3.83 (3.19, 4.60) 2.93 (2.58, 3.32) 3.09 (2.71, 3.53) 3.06 (2.68, 3.50)
P for trend <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Famine exposure Model twod Model threee Model twod Model threee Model twod Model threee
 No-exposed 1.00 (reference) 1.00 (reference) 1.00 (reference) 1.00 (reference) 1.00 (reference) 1.00 (reference)
 Fetal-exposed 1.30 (1.02, 1.66) 1.28 (1.01, 1.64) 1.20 (0.96, 1.49) 1.21 (0.97, 1.50) 1.25 (1.06, 1.47) 1.25 (1.06, 1.47)
 Childhood-exposed 1.52 (1.26, 1.85) 1.51 (1.25, 1.84) 1.52 (1.28, 1.81) 1.53 (1.29, 1.82) 1.53 (1.34, 1.74) 1.52 (1.34, 1.73)
 Adolescence/adult-exposed 2.24 (1.85, 2.72) 2.28 (1.88, 2.77) 3.23 (2.69, 3.87) 3.24 (2.70, 3.89) 2.68 (2.35, 3.05) 2.66 (2.33, 3.03)
P for trend <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
BMI Model onea Model twof Model threeg Model onea Model twof Model threeg Model onea Model twof Model threeg
 Underweight and normal 1.00 (reference) 1.00 (reference) 1.00 (reference) 1.00 (reference) 1.00 (reference) 1.00 (reference) 1.00 (reference) 1.00 (reference) 1.00 (reference)
 Overweight 1.68 (1.49, 1.90) 1.83 (1.61, 2.08) 1.88 (1.66, 2.14) 1.39 (1.24, 1.56) 1.61 (1.43, 1.82) 1.62 (1.44, 1.82) 1.52 (1.40, 1.65) 1.71 (1.57, 1.86) 1.75 (1.60, 1.91)
 Obesity 2.47 (2.05, 2.99) 2.78 (2.29, 3.38) 2.88 (2.36, 3.50) 2.23 (1.93, 2.58) 2.68 (2.30, 3.12) 2.67 (2.29, 3.12) 2.34 (2.09, 2.63) 2.72 (2.41, 3.06) 2.79 (2.48, 3.15)
P for trend <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Central obesity Model onea Model twof Model threeg Model onea Model twof Model threeg Model onea Model twof Model threeg
 Normal 1.00(reference) 1.00 (reference) 1.00 (reference) 1.00 (reference) 1.00 (reference) 1.00 (reference) 1.00 (reference) 1.00 (reference) 1.00 (reference)
 Obesity 2.11 (1.88, 2.37) 1.32 (1.24, 1.40) 1.33 (1.25, 1.41) 2.02 (1.82, 2.24) 1.51 (1.42, 1.60) 1.51 (1.42, 1.60) 2.02 (1.88, 2.18) 1.42 (1.37, 1.48) 1.42 (1.36, 1.48)
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BMI: body mass index; WC: waist circle; DBP: diastolic blood pressure; SBP: systolic blood pressure; OR: odds ratios; CI: confidence interval. (1) In model one: aunadjusted, age-adjusted by design. (2) In model two: badjusted for age, education, marital status, living place, and BMI; dadjusted for age, education, marital status, living place, and WC; fadjusted for age, education, marital status, living place, and famine exposure. (3) In model three: cadjusted for age, education, marital status, living place, smoking status, drinking status, eating habit, social activities, the experience of traumatic events, taking physical activity or exercise, and BMI; eadjusted for age, education, marital status, living place, smoking status, drinking status, eating habit, social activities, the experience of traumatic events, taking physical activity or exercise, and WC; gadjusted for age, education, marital status, living place, smoking status, drinking status, eating habit, social activities, the experience of traumatic events, taking physical activity or exercise, and famine exposure.

Table 4 shows the combined associations of obesity parameters and famine exposure with the prevalence of hypertension in males. Compared with the combination of the normal BMI/WC level and no-exposed famine group, all groups trended towards higher odds of prevalence of hypertension except the obesity; furthermore, in multivariable model one, the greatest increase in odds was observed for the adolescence/adult-exposed group and obesity combination (adolescence/adult-exposed group and obesity in BMI: OR 7.38; 95% CI 4.81, 11.32; adolescence/adult-exposed group and obesity in WC: OR 6.13; 95% CI 4.54, 8.26). And similarly, in multivariable-adjusted model two, the highest odds of prevalence of hypertension were observed for the adolescence/adult exposed group and obesity combination (adolescence/adult-exposed group and obesity in BMI: OR 6.87; 95% CI 4.47, 10.57; adolescence/adult-exposed group and obesity in WC: OR 5.75; 95% CI 4.26, 7.77). Additionally, in multivariable-adjusted model three, the highest odds of prevalence of hypertension were observed for the adolescence/adult-exposed group and obesity combination (adolescence/adult-exposed group and obesity in BMI: OR 7.30; 95% CI 4.74, 11.25; adolescence/adult-exposed group and obesity in WC: OR 6.68; 95% CI 4.92, 9.07). Finally, combined associations of obesity parameters and famine exposure with the prevalence of hypertension were observed in males (Pinteraction = <0.001).

Table 4.

Combined associations of obesity parameters and famine exposure with the prevalence of hypertension in male.

Famine exposure OR and 95% CI for hypertension
Model onea Model twob Model threec
BMI levels BMI levels BMI levels
Underweight and normal Overweight Obesity P for trend Underweight and normal Overweight Obesity P for trend Underweight and normal Overweight Obesity P for trend
No-exposed 1.0 0(reference) 2.08 (1.41, 3.06) 5.53 (3.44, 8.89) <0.001 1.00 (reference) 2.07 (1.40, 3.05) 5.52 (3.43, 8.89) <0.001 1.00 (reference) 2.11 (1.43, 3.11) 5.65 (3.50, 9.11) <0.001
Fetal-exposed 1.43 (1.00, 2.05) 3.11 (2.10, 4.62) 5.49 (3.18, 9.48) <0.001 1.42 (0.99, 2.03) 3.14 (2.12, 4.66) 5.41 (3.13, 9.36) <0.001 1.40 (0.97, 2.00) 3.18 (2.14, 4.73) 5.38 (3.10, 9.31) <0.001
Childhood-exposed 1.93 (1.45, 2.58) 3.65 (2.69, 4.97) 4.24 (2.88, 6.24) <0.001 1.90 (1.43, 2.54) 3.61 (2.65, 4.92) 4.14 (2.81, 6.10) <0.001 1.88 (1.41, 2.51) 3.70 (2.71, 5.04) 4.28 (2.90, 6.32) <0.001
Adolescence/adult-exposed 3.12 (2.35, 4.13) 5.08 (3.70, 6.98) 7.38 (4.81, 11.32) <0.001 2.94 (2.21, 3.90) 4.84 (3.52, 6.66) 6.87 (4.47, 10.57) <0.001 3.00 (2.25, 3.99) 5.07 (3.67, 6.99) 7.30 (4.74, 11.25) <0.001
P for trend <0.001 <0.001 0.201 <0.001 <0.001 0.637 <0.001 <0.001 0.812
P interaction <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
WC levels WC levels WC levels
Normal Central obesity Normal Central obesity Normal Central obesity
No-exposed 1.0 0(reference) 3.78 (2.67, 5.36) 1.00 (reference) 3.77 (2.66, 5.35) 1.00 (reference) 3.81 (2.69, 5.41)
Fetal-exposed 1.69 (1.2, 2.37) 4.00 (2.76, 5.81) 1.68 (1.20, 2.36) 4.00 (2.75, 5.81) 3.99 (2.75, 5.80) 2.01 (1.52, 2.66)
Childhood-exposed 2.06 (1.56, 2.71) 4.57 (3.40, 6.13) 2.03 (1.54, 2.68) 4.47 (3.33, 6.00) 3.18 (2.41, 4.19) 5.97 (4.41, 8.08)
Adolescence/adult-exposed 3.30 (2.51, 4.34) 6.13 (4.54, 8.26) 3.13 (2.38, 4.13) 5.75 (4.26, 7.77) 4.83 (3.63, 6.43) 6.68 (4.92, 9.07)
P for trend <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
P interaction <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
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BMI: body mass index; WC: waist circle; DBP: diastolic blood pressure; SBP: systolic blood pressure; OR: odds ratios; CI: confidence interval. aUnadjusted; age-adjusted by design. bAdjusted for age, education, marital status, and living place. cAdjusted for age, education, marital status, living place, smoking status, drinking status, eating habit, social activities, the experience of traumatic events, and taking physical activity or exercise.

Table 5 shows the combined associations of obesity parameters and famine exposure with the prevalence of hypertension in females. Compared with the combination of the normal BMI/WC level and no-exposed famine group, all groups trended towards higher odds of prevalence of hypertension; furthermore, in multivariable model one, the greatest increase in odds was observed for the adolescence/adult-exposed group and obesity combination (adolescence/adult-exposed group and obesity in BMI: OR 10.38; 95% CI 7.26, 14.48; adolescence/adult-exposed group and obesity in WC: OR 7.59; 95% CI 5.86, 9.84). And similarly, in multivariable-adjusted model two, the highest odds of prevalence of hypertension were observed for the adolescence/adult-exposed group and obesity combination (adolescence/adult-exposed group and obesity in BMI: OR 8.88; 95% CI 6.18, 12.75; adolescence/adult-exposed group and obesity in WC: OR 6.58; 95% CI 5.05, 8.58). Additionally, in multivariable-adjusted model three, the highest odds of prevalence of hypertension were observed for the adolescence/adult-exposed group and obesity combination (adolescence/adult-exposed group and obesity in BMI: OR 8.89; 95% CI 6.19, 12.78; adolescence/adult-exposed group and obesity in WC: OR 6.59; 95% CI 5.05, 8.59). Finally, combined associations of obesity parameters and famine exposure with the prevalence of hypertension were observed in females (Pinteraction < 0.001).

Table 5.

Combined associations of obesity parameters and famine exposure with the prevalence of hypertension in female.

Famine exposure OR and 95% CI for hypertension
Model onea Model twob Model threec
BMI levels BMI levels BMI levels
Underweight and normal Overweight Obesity P for trend Underweight and normal Overweight Obesity P for trend Underweight and normal Overweight Obesity P for trend
No-exposed 1.00 (reference) 2.03 (1.44, 2.87) 3.68 (2.48, 5.46) <0.001 1.00 (reference) 2.03 (1.44, 2.87) 3.69 (2.48, 5.48) <0.001 1.00 (reference) 2.03 (1.44, 2.87) 3.69 (2.48, 5.48) <0.001
Fetal-exposed 1.29 (0.89, 1.88) 2.55 (1.79, 3.61) 4.08 (2.65, 6.28) <0.001 1.28 (0.88, 1.86) 2.52 (1.78, 3.58) 4.05 (2.63, 6.23) <0.001 1.29 (0.89, 1.87) 2.55 (1.80, 3.63) 4.10 (2.66, 6.31) <0.001
Childhood-exposed 1.98 (1.49, 2.63) 3.45 (2.58, 4.62) 6.24 (4.52, 8.61) <0.001 1.84 (1.39, 2.45) 3.21 (2.40, 4.31) 5.85 (4.23, 8.08) <0.001 1.87 (1.40, 2.48) 3.24 (2.41, 4.34) 5.85 (4.23, 8.09) <0.001
Adolescence/adult-exposed 5.73 (4.35, 7.56) 7.51 (5.56, 10.15) 10.38 (7.26, 14.84) <0.001 4.82 (3.63, 6.41) 6.63 (4.89, 8.99) 8.88 (6.18, 12.75) <0.001 4.83 (3.63, 6.43) 6.68 (4.92, 9.07) 8.89 (6.19, 12.78) <0.001
P for trend <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
P interaction <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
WC levels WC levels WC levels
Normal Central obesity Normal Central obesity Normal Central obesity
No-exposed 1.00 (reference) 2.39 (1.77, 3.24) 1.00 (reference) 2.41 (1.78, 3.26) 1.00 (reference) 2.39 (1.76, 3.24)
Fetal-exposed 1.16 (0.82, 1.65) 2.89 (2.12, 3.93) 1.15 (0.81, 1.64) 2.87 (2.11,3.91) 1.16 (0.81, 1.65) 2.89 (2.12, 3.94)
Childhood-exposed 1.75 (1.34, 2.29) 3.75 (2.90, 4.84) 1.65 (1.26, 2.16) 3.51 (2.71, 4.55) 1.66 (1.27, 2.18) 3.52 (2.71, 4.56)
Adolescence/adult-exposed 4.68 (3.59, 6.1) 7.59 (5.86, 9.84) 4.03 (3.06, 5.29) 6.58 (5.05, 8.58) 4.03 (3.07, 5.31) 6.59 (5.05, 8.59)
P for trend <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
P interaction <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
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BMI: body mass index; WC: waist circle; DBP: diastolic blood pressure; SBP: systolic blood pressure; OR: odds ratios; CI: confidence interval. aUnadjusted; age-adjusted by design. bAdjusted for age, education, marital status, and living place. cAdjusted for age, education, marital status, living place, smoking status, drinking status, eating habit, social activities, the experience of traumatic events, and taking physical activity or exercise.

Table 6 shows the combined associations of obesity parameters and famine exposure with the prevalence of hypertension in the total population. Compared with the combination of the normal BMI/WC level and no-exposed famine group, all groups trended towards higher odds of prevalence of hypertension; furthermore, in multivariable model one, the greatest increase in odds was observed for the adolescence/adult-exposed group and obesity combination (adolescence/adult-exposed group and obesity in BMI: OR 9.04; 95% CI 6.89, 11.86; adolescence/adult-exposed group and obesity in WC: OR 7.05; 95% CI 5.80, 8.56). And similarly, in multivariable-adjusted model two, the highest odds of prevalence of hypertension were observed for the adolescence/adult-exposed group and obesity combination (adolescence/adult-exposed group and obesity in BMI: OR 7.94; 95% CI 6.03, 10.44; adolescence/adult-exposed group and obesity in WC: OR 6.29; 95% CI 5.16, 7.66). Additionally, in multivariable-adjusted model three, the highest odds of prevalence of hypertension were observed for the adolescence/adult-exposed group and obesity combination (adolescence/adult-exposed group and obesity in BMI: OR 8.13; 95% CI 6.18, 10.71; adolescence/adult-exposed group and obesity in WC: OR 6.36; 95% CI 5.22, 7.75). Finally, combined associations of obesity parameters and famine exposure with the prevalence of hypertension were observed in the total population (Pinteraction < 0.001).

Table 6.

Combined associations of obesity parameters and famine exposure with the prevalence of hypertension in total population.

Famine exposure OR and 95% CI for hypertension
Model onea Model twob Model threec
BMI levels BMI levels BMI levels
Underweight and normal Overweight Obesity P for trend Underweight and normal Overweight Obesity P for trend Underweight and normal Overweight Obesity P for trend
No-exposed 1.00 (reference) 2.02 (1.57, 2.62) 4.18 (3.10, 5.65) <0.001 1.00 (reference) 2.03 (1.57, 2.62) 4.19 (3.1, 5.67) <0.001 1.00 (reference) 2.06 (1.59, 2.67) 4.25 (3.14, 5.75) <0.001
Fetal-exposed 1.38 (1.07, 1.78) 2.72 (2.09, 3.53) 4.42 (3.16, 6.17) <0.001 1.36 (1.05, 1.77) 2.73 (2.1, 3.54) 4.38 (3.13, 6.13) <0.001 1.36 (1.05, 1.76) 2.76 (2.12, 3.58) 4.44 (3.18, 6.21) <0.001
Childhood-exposed 1.98 (1.62, 2.42) 3.52 (2.85, 4.35) 5.37 (4.21, 6.8 5) <0.001 1.89 (1.55, 2.32) 3.37 (2.73, 4.17) 5.14 (4.02, 6.56) <0.001 1.89 (1.54, 2.32) 3.43 (2.78, 4.24) 5.24 (4.10, 6.70) <0.001
Adolescence/adult-exposed 4.16 (3.42, 5.07) 6.28 (5.05, 7.81) 9.04 (6.89, 11.86) <0.001 3.67 (3.01, 4.49) 5.69 (4.57, 7.1) 7.94 (6.03, 10.44) <0.001 3.69 (3.02, 4.52) 5.81 (4.66, 7.24) 8.13 (6.18, 10.71) <0.001
P for trend <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
P interaction <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
WC levels WC levels WC levels
Normal Central obesity Normal Central obesity Normal Central obesity
No-exposed 1.00 (reference) 2.84 (2.26, 3.57) 1.00 (reference) 2.88 (2.29, 3.62) 1.00 (reference) 2.90 (2.30, 3.64)
Fetal-exposed 1.42 (1.12, 1.82) 3.23 (2.55, 4.09) 1.41 (1.11, 1.80) 3.26 (2.57, 4.13) 1.41 (1.10, 1.79) 3.27 (2.58, 4.14)
Childhood-exposed 1.93 (1.59, 2.33) 4.01 (3.31, 4.86) 1.84 (1.52, 2.23) 3.87 (3.19, 4.7) 1.84 (1.52, 2.23) 3.91 (3.22, 4.74)
Adolescence/adult-exposed 3.77 (3.12, 4.56) 7.05 (5.80, 8.56) 3.37 (2.78, 4.08) 6.29 (5.16, 7.66) 3.38 (2.78, 4.09) 6.36 (5.22, 7.75)
P for trend <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
P interaction <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Open in a new tab

BMI: body mass index; WC: waist circle; DBP: diastolic blood pressure; SBP: systolic blood pressure; OR: odds ratios; CI: confidence interval. aUnadjusted; age-adjusted by design. bAdjusted for age, sex, education, marital status, and living place. cAdjusted for age, sex, education, marital status, living place, smoking status, drinking status, eating habit, social activities, experience of traumatic events, and taking physical activity or exercise.

4. Discussion

In the study, we found that the individuals who had been exposed to famine in early life had an increased risk of hypertension in adults. After adjustment for the full set of potential confounders, including age, education, marital status, living place, smoking status, drinking status, eating habit, social activities, the experience of traumatic events, taking physical activity or exercise, and obesity parameters (BMI or WC), the associations still can be found in males and females. Additionally, our study found that there were linear trends in the associations of BMI with hypertension. After adjustment for observed potential confounders, the associations still existed both in males and females. In summary, our study supports a strongly positive combined effect of famine exposure and obesity parameters on hypertension in middle-aged and elderly Chinese. When stratified by sex, similar results were found with respect to the association.

The Chinese famine of 1959–61 caused over 30 million excess deaths [42]. A large number of such studies have explored the associations of famine exposure during early life with the risk of hypertension in adults, and there were no consistent associations observed for these studies. Therefore, our study attempted to explore the associations between obesity parameters (BMI or WC) and hypertension based on a national study from CHARLS2011. In conclusion, the findings from our study support a strongly positive combined effect of famine exposure and obesity parameters (BMI or WC) on hypertension in middle-aged and elderly Chinese. Both nutrition intervention for exposure to the famine in early life and weight control in later life may be required to substantially reduce the risk of hypertension in later life.

The effect of the worst famine to hypertension may be masked, however, by a selection effect of survivors who might be healthier than the frail members more likely to survive. The finding is in line with Darwin's theory of survival of the fittest [43]. Individuals who were exposed to famine in early life should decrease the risk of hypertension in adults. However, this was not observed in our research. The reason for the inconsistency may be due to the environmental changes. When facing the later “rich” environment, the risk of hypertension may be increased.

Our results are partly in line with several previous studies. Although the Dutch famine and the Leningrad siege study [44–46] have generally agreed that early-life exposure to famine was not associated with hypertension, most current published research findings [11, 12, 14–23] in China indicated that exposure to famine in early life increased the risk of hypertension. However, it was found there was no association between the Chinese famine and hypertension risk in Chongqing [24]. Such discrepancies between these studies may be a result of methodological differences in definitions of the different sample selection effect and famine exposure groups. Additionally, these studies have been criticized for not being adjusted to the confounding bias of age. To control the age confounding, we categorized the famine exposure into four exposure groups based on the birth year and we also combined the no-exposure as the reference group to identify the effect of the fetal-exposed group, childhood-exposed group, and adolescence/adult-exposed group. Our study found that early famine exposure was associated with an increased risk of hypertension. The sex difference of early life famine exposure and hypertension were common in other studies [15, 17]. Furthermore, exposure to famine during early life exerted more deleterious effects on females than males. This could be explained by the fact the female may suffer more than males during early life, because of the dominance of a patriarchal mentality in China [47]. The potential mechanisms of the associations between famine exposure in early life and the increased risk of hypertension in later life were still not fully understood. Animal experiments [48, 49] have proved that malnutrition in early life could result in elevated BP in later life. Additionally, epigenetic might play a role in the association between famine exposure in early life and hypertension in late life [50, 51].

In our research, participants who were overweight/obese and exposed to famine in adolescence/adult tended to have a higher risk of hypertension. The results indicated the good nutrition in adults did not match poor nutrition in early life, which might elevate the relative risk of hypertension in later life [52]. Furthermore, our data support a strongly positive combined effect of famine exposure and obesity parameters on hypertension in middle-aged and elderly Chinese. However, the previous studies focused on the relationship between famine exposure and health outcomes in late adolescence and adulthood. Most of the previous studies meant exactly that famine exposure was at a higher risk for health outcomes in late adolescence and adulthood. Exposure to Chinese famine in early life was related to increased risk of metabolic syndrome [41, 44, 53–57], weight gain [26–31], diabetes [58–73], hypertension [11, 12, 14–23], cognitive decline [74–80], and depressive syndrome [42, 76, 81, 82]. In addition, our study found that there were linear trends in the associations of BMI with hypertension which was consistent with our previous study [83]. However, several studies proved that there were different associations of body mass index with health outcomes, such as U- [84–88], J- [89–95], and reverse J-shape [96, 97]. A U- or a J-shaped association between BMI and cardiovascular events is often described. This U-shaped association may result from the effect of medication use or unintentional weight loss. By contrast, patients with other severe heart diseases or undergoing cardiac surgery presented a reverse J-shape suggesting the low body mass index associated with the highest mortality [98].

Though so many studies have explored the association analysis between famine exposure/obesity parameters and BP, there were only two studies that explored the combined effect of obesity parameters on the relation between famine exposure and hypertension. Yu et al. [19] found that interactions between famine and obesity on hypertension prevalence risk were not observed. In contrast, Li et al. [11] reported that a stronger interaction between obesity and famine exposure with regard to BP among individuals who were exposed to famine during fetal life and had a western dietary pattern in adults was observed. Interestingly, our data support a strongly positive combined effect of famine exposure and obesity parameters on hypertension in middle-aged and elderly Chinese. The difference between our research and others may be due to the different populations, different definitions of famine exposure cohort, and different confounding variables by controlling. The individuals in our study were midaged and elderly Chinese, where the mean age at recruitment was older than in Yu et al.' s study, and the level of socioeconomic development also made some contribution to ontogenetic development. In addition, the participants were similar in China and its socioeconomic background, and this phenomenon could be explained by the cumulative effect.

Several limitations have to be taken into account as well. Firstly, selection bias was to be considered: famine may weed out the frail members and leave the healthier ones. Secondly, individual famine exposure data have not been collected. Lastly, not all families were equally affected by famine exposure. However, our study provided a large data that could be explored further in the combined effect of famine exposure and obesity parameters (BMI or WC) on hypertension. Moreover, a significant strength of the study is the large sample of 12945 middle-aged and older Chinese. Another strength is the analytical method of controlling for a number of confounders.

5. Conclusions

Our data support a strongly positive combined effect of famine exposure and obesity parameters on hypertension in middle-aged and elderly Chinese. Both nutrition intervention for exposure to the famine in early life and weight reduction in later life may be required to substantially reduce the risk of hypertension in later life.

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the NSFC (70910107022 and 71130002) and National Institute on Aging (R03-TW008358-01 and R01-AG037031-03S1), World Bank (7159234), and the Support Program for Outstanding Young Talents from the Universities and Colleges of Anhui Province for Lin Zhang and the Key Research Base of Humanities and Social Sciences of Universities of Anhui Province (SK2019A0223) for Wang Congzhi. The authors would like to thank the members of the CHARLS as well as all participants for their contribution.

Abbreviations

WHO:

World Health Organization

CHARLS:

China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study

BMI:

Body mass index

WC:

Waist circle

BP:

Blood pressure

DBP:

Diastolic blood pressure

SBP:

Systolic blood pressure

M:

Mean

B:

Unstandardized

CDC:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

NSFC:

The National Natural Science Foundation of China

NIA:

National Institute on Aging

WB:

World Bank

UA:

Urinalysis.

Contributor Information

Hengying Che, Email: 2722659079@qq.com.

Yuanzhen Li, Email: yuanzhen.li@wnmc.edu.cn.

Data Availability

All data are openly published as microdata at http://charls.pku.edu.cn/index/zh-cn.html with no direct contact with all participants.

Consent

Completion of all author declaration and consent to publish form is required.

Disclosure

The authors declare that they have no potential conflict of interest relevant to the study.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

Authors' Contributions

Lin Zhang conceived and designed the research, wrote the paper, and analyzed the data. Lin Zhang, Liu Yang, Congzhi Wang, Ting Yuan, Dongmei Zhang, Huanhuan Wei, Jing Li, Yunxiao Lei, Lu Sun, Xiaoping Li, Ying Hua, Hengying Che, and Yuanzhen Li revised the paper. Yuanzhen Li and Hengying Che contributed equally to this work.

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Data Availability Statement

All data are openly published as microdata at http://charls.pku.edu.cn/index/zh-cn.html with no direct contact with all participants.

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