Relationship between Hair Aluminum Concentrations and Hypertension Risk among Female Residents in Shanxi Province of China

Objective To investigate the hair aluminum (Al) concentration of female residents in Shanxi province of China and its relationship with the risk of hypertension.

Methods A total of 398 female residents were recruited in Shanxi province, among whom there were 163 patients with hypertension (case group) and 235 healthy women (control group). Demographic data of these residents were collected, and physical examination was performed. The hair samples of the residents were collected to measure the concentration of Al by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

Results The case group had a significantly higher hair Al concentration M (25%-75%) than the control group 18.1 (10.5-26.3)μg/g vs 12.8 (8.63-21.5)μg/g. The binary logistic regression analysis showed a univariate odds ratio (OR) of 2.00 (95% CI: 1.33-3.00) and an adjusted OR of 1.65 (95% CI: 1.02-2.66). A dose-response relationship was observed between hair Al concentration and hypertension risk. Hair Al concentration was significantly positively correlated with systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, and heart rate with correlation coefficients of 0.185, 0.157 and 0.231, respectively.

Conclusion Long-term exposure to Al may increase the risk of hypertension in women.