ASSOCIATION BETWEEN LIFESTYLE FACTORS AND THE PREVALENCE OF ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION IN THE ADULT POPULATION: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Keywords:
Arterial hypertension; lifestyle; risk factors; physical activity; healthy diet; obesityAbstract
DOI: https://doi.org/10.46296/gt.v9i18edespsep.0426
Abstract
Introduction: Arterial hypertension is one of the main public health problems and is associated with several modifiable lifestyle factors. Unhealthy diet, sedentary behavior, alcohol and tobacco consumption, excess body weight, and high sodium intake may contribute to its development and progression. Objective: To analyze the available scientific evidence on the association between lifestyle factors and the prevalence of arterial hypertension in the adult population. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted according to the PRISMA 2020 recommendations and structured using the PECO framework. Studies published between 2021 and 2026 involving adults and analyzing the relationship between at least one lifestyle component and arterial hypertension were included. Searches were conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, SciELO, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. Of 80 identified records, duplicates and studies that did not meet the eligibility criteria were excluded, resulting in 25 studies for synthesis. Results: The studies showed an overall favorable association between healthy lifestyles and hypertension. Regular physical activity, healthy dietary patterns, maintaining an adequate body weight, and reducing sodium intake were associated with a lower presence or risk of hypertension. In contrast, sedentary behavior, high alcohol consumption, smoking, overweight, obesity, and the accumulation of several unhealthy behaviors were associated with increased risk. Conclusion: Lifestyle factors are relevant modifiable determinants for the prevention and control of arterial hypertension; therefore, comprehensive interventions promoting healthy habits should be strengthened.
Keywords: Arterial hypertension; lifestyle; risk factors; physical activity; healthy diet; obesity.
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