Table 1

Quality assessment of the included studies examining the relationship between altitude and the prevalence of hypertension

Study IDStudy designDefinition of hypertensionDefinition of awarenessDefinition of treatmentDefinition of controlSampling strategyResponse rateAdequate sample sizeValidated measureAppropriate statistical analysis
Sherpa33Cross-sectional≥130/85 mm Hg or antihypertensive therapySelf-report of prior diagnosis by a healthcare professionalSelf-reported use of a prescribed medicationMedication treatment with BP <140/90 mm HgStratified82%YesYesYes
Zhao34Cross-sectional≥140/90 mm Hg or antihypertensive therapySelf-report of prior diagnosis by a healthcare professionalSelf-reported use of a prescribed medicationMedication treatment with BP <140/90 mm HgStratified100%YesYesYes
Zheng35Cross-sectional≥140/90 mm Hg or antihypertensive therapySelf-report of prior diagnosis by a healthcare professionalSelf-reported use of a prescribed medication during last 2 weeksMedication treatment with BP <140/90 mm HgStratified96.8%YesYesYes
Deji36Cross-sectional≥140/90 mm Hg or antihypertensive therapySelf-report prior to the surveySelf-reported use of a prescribed medication during last 2 weeksMedication treatment with BP <140/90 mm HgRandomised65%YesYesYes
Lei37Cross-sectional≥140/90 mm HgSelf-report prior to the surveySelf-reported use of a prescribed medication during last 2 weeksMedication treatment with BP <140/90 mm HgNot reported100%YesYesYes
Zhang38Cross-sectional≥140/90 mm Hg or proof of hospital diagnosisNot reportedNot reportedNot reportedRandomised89%YesYesYes
Liu11Cross-sectional≥140/90 mm Hg or antihypertensive therapyNot reportedNot reportedNot reportedRandomised100%YesYesYes
Li39Cross-sectional≥140/90 mm HgNot reportedNot reportedNot reportedRandom, cluster and multistage87%YesYesYes