Comparative Epidemiological Studies on the Genesis of Hypertension in Mountain People Taking \u27Tibetan Tea\u27 Habitually in Nepal

The mountain villagers taking \u27Tibetan tea\u27 habitually, which is made from rock salt, butter and tea, seem to consume a larger amount of salt than the hilly (Kotyang) villagers. We investigated the mountain villagers living at or above 2,600 meters above sea level in Helambu District. A total of 173 men and 178 women, aged from 20 to 85, participated in this study. To compare this with the previous Kotyang\u27s investigation, the similar methods were applied. The results are summarized as follows: (1) The height of the mountain villagers was taller and the weight heavier than those of the hilly villagers. The body mass index and the percentage body fat(%Fat) were significantly greater in the former than in the latter. (2) Maximal oxygen uptake was similar to that of the hilly villagers after the adjustment for age. (3) Fat energy ratio was 22% and animal fat ratio was approximately 45%, half of which were taken from \u27Tibetan tea\u27. (4) Average daily salt intake was about 13-15g/day, lower than expected. (5) The incidences of borderline hypertension and hypertension were 15.0% and 31.8% in men, and 12.9% and 33.7% in women, respectively, and significantly increased with age. The body composition, the incidence of hypertension and nutritient intake were all quite different from those of the hilly villagers. The mountain villagers consumed a larger amount of salt than the hilly villagers, and the correlation between the salt intake and blood pressure was significantly and positively detected by multiple regression analysis. The fat intake was also significantly correlated with blood pressure positively, and fiber and potassium negatively. These results suggest that the blood pressure may be influenced by physical activity, fat-free mass and nutrient intakes in addition to the amount of salt intake and that extremely low %Fat, low animal fat intake and physical activity could serve to mute the influence of relatively high salt intakes of the hilly villagers