Table 1 The risk factors with a definition in this study

Between 60 and 70 y, 70 and 80 y, and ≥ 80 y (the class interval included the lower value but excluded the higher one)

Female/Male

Stage one (SBP = 140–160 mmHg and/or DBP = 90–100 mmHg)

Stage two (SBP = 160–180 mmHg and/or DBP = 100–110 mmHg)

Stage three (SBP > =180 mmHg and/or DBP > =110 mmHg)

Yes/No (Based on the electronic medical record)

Yes/No (Based on the electronic medical record)

Yes/No(Adhere to medication treatment and SBP < 140 mmHg [10])

Yes/No (Based on the electronic medical record)

Yes/No (Based on the electronic medical record)

Yes (Including paroxysmal or permanent atrial fibrillation)/No

Normal (3.1–5.7 mmol/L)

Up-regulation (> 5.7 mmol/L)

Normal (0.4–2.0 mmol/L)

Up-regulation (> 2.0 mmol/L)

Normal (1.8–3.36 mmol/L)

Up-regulation (> 3.36 mmol/L)

Normal (1.16–1.55 mmol/L)

Up-regulation (> 1.55 mmol/L)

Normal (6.5–16.9 μmol/L)

Up-regulation (> 16.9 μmol/L)

Yes/No (Based on the result of ultrasound)