The role of plasma trace elements in hypertension among elderly populations in China: A cross-sectional analysis using CLHLS data

Nearly half of adults aged 60 and above in China suffer from hypertension, a critical public health issue. Emerging evidence suggests that trace elements in plasma, such as copper and selenium, may play significant roles in the development of hypertension. This study examines the relationship between plasma concentrations of these elements and hypertension risk among elderly Chinese populations. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from the China Health and Longevity Survey (CLHLS), which included a nationally representative sample of older adults aged 60 and above. The study analyzed data from 452 participants, focusing on plasma concentrations of copper and selenium measured in 2009 and their association with hypertension outcomes in subsequent years. Statistical analyses, including logistic regression models, were used to assess the relationships while controlling for confounding factors such as age, sex, and comorbidities. The results revealed that higher plasma copper levels are associated with a reduced risk of hypertension, particularly in rural areas of Hubei and Guangxi provinces. The association between selenium and hypertension was statistically significant but had a negligible effect size. These findings suggest that copper may play a protective role against hypertension, with potential implications for public health interventions targeting the elderly population in China.