The risk factors of sodium, potassium intake, and physical activity on hypertension in the elderly

Introduction: Hypertension is called a silent killer because many people with hypertension but do not realize that they have it (no signs or symptoms). This study aimed to determine the characteristics of respondents and the risk factors for sodium intake, potassium, and physical activity on hypertension in the elderly. Methods: Case -control study design with age and gender matching. Nonprobability sampling technique . The number of case group samples (33 people) is the same as the control (33 people). Sodium and potassium intake data using food recall form, and physical activity data with GPAQ (Global Physical Activity Questionnaire) . Data analysis with chi-square test, significant (p < 0.05). OR>1 is a risk factor. Results: The results of this study showed: that the family history of hypertension in the case group was more (54.5%) than the control (18.2%). The highest level of education in the case group was elementary school (33%) compared to the control (24.2%). Most respondents did not work in the case group (48.5%) almost as much as the control (51.5%). Most respondents did not smoke in the case group (84.8%) almost as much as the control (81.8%). Statistical test results showed that respondents with more sodium intake had a 5.46 times risk of developing hypertension compared to respondents with adequate sodium intake (p=0.003; OR = 5.46), on the other hand, the results of this study showed that potassium intake was not a risk factor for hypertension. Respondents in the low physical activity category had 5.95 times the risk of hypertension compared to respondents in the high physical activity category (p=0.004; OR=5.95). Conclusion: Sodium intake and physical activity are risk factors for hypertension. Elderly people are advised to do physical activity for 30 minutes per day to overcome hypertension.