Distribution and Determinants of Plasma Copper Concentrations in Chinese Adults with Hypertension

Background: Copper is an essential micronutrient and plasma copper plays an important role in the development of myocardial infarction and cardiovascular disease (CVD)-specific mortality. However, nationwide data on the plasma copper concentrations and determinants in Chinese adults with hypertension is limited. Aims: We aimed to assess the range of plasma copper concentrations and its associations with demographic, environmental, lifestyle and dietary factors in a nationwide cohort of Chinese adults with hypertension. Methods: A cross-sectional study including 2599 adults (1389 males and 1210 females) with hypertension was conducted from February 2017 to May 2018 in 14 provinces in China. Plasma copper concentrations were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results: The mean concentration of plasma copper was 95.3 ± 18.9 μg/dL for all participants, and 90.8 ± 18.2 μg/dL in males and 100.4 ± 18.5 μg/dL in females, respectively. In adjusted linear regression models, those living in areas with daily mean temperature (Tm) < 14.5 ℃ were positively associated with plasma copper concentrations compared with those in areas with Tm ≥ 24.7 ℃ (β = 4.55, 95% CI = 2.83, 6.27; P < 0.001). Similar associations were observed in patients who were female, aged ≥ 65 years, currently smoking and currently drinking alcohol. Conclusions: The mean plasma copper concentration of Chinese adults with hypertension was 95.3 ± 18.9 μg/dL. Participants who were female, aged ≥ 65 years, living in areas with Tm < 14.5 ℃, or currently smoking or drinking alcohol were positively associated with plasma copper concentrations, indicating the potential impact of demographic, environmental, lifestyle and dietary factors on plasma copper concentrations