@@ IntroductionHypertension is a major long-term health condition and the leading cause of premature death among adults worldwide, including in developed, developing, and lesser developed countries.1 It is considered one of the most common chronic diseases, and a serious health threat in China. Surveys conducted by the Chinese National Nutrition and Health in 2002 revealed that there were more than 160 million individuals suffering from hypertension in China, and that the prevalence of hypertension among adults was 18.8％.