Association of fine particulate matter and its constituents with hypertension: the modifying effect of dietary patterns

BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that nutritional supplements could reduce the adverse effects induced by air pollution. However, whether dietary patterns can modify the association of long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM(2.5)) and its constituents with hypertension defined by the 2017 ACC/AHA guideline has not been evaluated. METHODS: We included 47,501 Chinese adults from a nationwide cross-sectional study. PM(2.5) and five constituents were estimated by satellite-based random forest models. Dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) and alternative Mediterranean diet (AMED) scores were calculated for each participant. Interactions between dietary patterns and air pollution were examined by adding a multiplicative interaction term to logistic models. RESULTS: Long-term exposure to PM(2.5) and its constituents was associated with an increased risk of hypertension and stage 1–2 hypertension. The DASH and AMED scores significantly modified these associations, as individuals with higher scores had a significantly lower risk of air pollution-related hypertension and stage 1–2 hypertension (P-interaction < 0.05), except for interaction between PM(2.5), sulfate, nitrate, ammonium, and AMED score on stage 1 hypertension. For each IQR increase in PM(2.5), participants with the lowest DASH and AMED quintiles had hypertension risk with ORs (95%CI) of 1.20 (1.10, 1.30) and 1.19 (1.09, 1.29), whereas those with the highest DASH and AMED quintiles had lower risks with 0.98 (0.91, 1.05) and 1.04 (0.97, 1.11). The stratified analysis found modification effect was more prominent in the < 65 years age group. Consuming more fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and dairy would reduce the risk of hypertension caused by PM(2.5) and its constituents. CONCLUSIONS: Dietary patterns rich in antioxidants can reduce long-term exposure to PM(2.5) and its constituents-induced hypertension defined by the 2017 ACC/AHA guideline, especially in young and middle-aged individuals. Compared to the Mediterranean diet, the DASH diet offers superior dietary guidance to prevent stage 1 hypertension caused by air pollution. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12940-023-01000-y.