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Researchers have found evidence that increased Body Mass Index, age, and no-sodium dietary factors are much more closely related to increase in systolic blood pressure than sodium intake, according to a new study.

The study measured the effects of sodium intake, Body Mass Index, physical activity, alcohol  consumption, and non-sodium dietary factors on the blood pressure of 8,670 French adults. 

Findings of the study suggested that Body Mass Index, age and alcohol intake were all strongly linked to blood pressure increase. However, Sodium intake was found to be statistically  insignificant in relation to blood pressure outcomes. 

According to researchers, the findings of the study could play a significant role in determining public health initiatives for reducing epidemic hypertension. 

 "Hypertension is the world's most prevalent chronic disease. It affects more than 30% of adults aged 25 and above, and accounts for 9.4 million deaths every year. Given its increasing prevalence and the difficulty we as a global health community have in managing it, more should be done to identify causal behavioral relationships to blood pressure outcomes that can lead to better strategies for preventing hypertension," Dr. Jacques Blacher, the study's lead author, said in a statement. 

"The observational study of Lelong et al. emphasizes the association of systolic blood pressure with BMI." said Dr. Theodore Kotchen, Associate Editor of American Journal of Hypertension. "Additionally, the study addresses the relative importance of BMI with specific components of the diet as possible contributors to hypertension."

The study is detailed in the American Journal of Hypertension.