Comparisons of Cardiometabolic Biomarkers, Lifestyle Behaviors, and Dietary Sodium and Potassium Intake in a Representative Sample of Korean Adults with and without Cardio-cerebrovascular Diseases

Abstract

Summary: Purpose: To compare the cardiometabolic condition of obesity, blood pressure (BP), cholesterol, dietary sodium and potassium intake, and lifestyle behaviors of persons with cardio-cerebrovascular diseases, with those who are disease-free in Korea. Methods: A secondary data analysis was conducted using a representative sample of Korean adults. Results: Of 10,906 Korean adults (mean age 43.12 ± 0.24 years, women 50.4%), 9,074 were disease-free and 1,520 had hypertension, 137 stroke, and 175 ischemic heart disease. Compared with the disease-free group, obesity, BP, and total cholesterol were higher for the hypertensives. 25.5% of ischemic heart disease group were still smoking; 14.9% of hypertensives were heavy alcohol drinkers. Physical activity was lower in cardio-cerebrovascular diseases than disease-free group. No significant association was found between Na/K ratio adequacy and types of cardio-cerebrovascular diseases. Conclusion: The cardiometabolic condition varied, with hypertensives having a higher prevalence for obesity, high BP, and cholesterol; poorer adherence to the behavioral recommendations was also noted in cardio-cerebrovascular diseases. Such variations in cardiovascular risks would provide implications for addressing vulnerability across groups. Keywords: cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular disease, health behavior, potassium, sodium