Association between oxidative balance score and new-onset hypertension in adults: A community-based prospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION: Oxidative stress plays a key role in the pathophysiology of hypertension development. The oxidative balance score (OBS) comprises dietary and lifestyle pro- and anti-oxidant components and reflects the overall oxidative stress burden. We aimed to evaluate the association between the OBS and new-onset hypertension (HTN) using large, community-based, prospective Korean cohort data. METHODS: Among 10,030 participants aged 40–69 years included in the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study, the data of 5,181 participants were analyzed. The hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for new-onset HTN according to sex-specific OBS quartile groups were calculated using univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression analyses. RESULTS: During the mean 13.6-year follow-up period, 1,157 men and 1,196 women developed new-onset HTN. Compared to the Q1 group, the adjusted HRs (95%CI) for new-onset HTN in the Q2, Q3, and Q4 groups were 0.96 (0.82–1.16), 0.85 (0.72–0.99), and 0.71 (0.59–0.86) in men and 0.81 (0.69–0.95), 0.81(0.68–0.95), and 0.70 (0.57–0.84) in women, respectively. DISCUSSION: Individuals with high OBS are at lower risk of developing HTN. This study suggests that a healthy lifestyle and antioxidant rich diet could be a preventive strategy for HTN.