Hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype is associated with left ventricular hypertrophy in Chinese hypertension patients

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), the most common target organ damage in patients with hypertension, is closely related to excessive visceral adipose tissue (VAT) accumulation in the body. The hypertriglyceridemic waist (HTHW) phenotype can act as a surrogate marker of excessive VAT. However, the relationship between the HTHW phenotype and LVH in patients with hypertension remains unknown. The present study aimed to investigate whether the HTHW phenotype is associated with LVH, using echocardiography in a cross-sectional study involving 4470 middle-aged and older Chinese patients with hypertension. Logistic regression analysis revealed that patients with the HTHW phenotype were 1.52-fold more likely to experience LVH than those with normal triglyceride levels and normal waist circumference. This association was independent of age, sex, and other potentially confounding factors. In the stratified analysis, a stronger correlation was found among women, people of at least 70 years of age, and people with hyperuricemia. These results suggest that distinguishing the HTHW phenotype in patients with hypertension could serve as a simple and effective screening strategy for identifying people with a higher risk of developing LVH.

Automated summary

This study found an association between the hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype (HTHW) and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in middle-aged and older Chinese patients with hypertension. Patients with HTHW phenotype were 1.52 times more likely to experience LVH than those with normal triglyceride levels and normal waist circumference. This association was independent of age, sex, and other potential confounding factors. Stratified analysis showed a stronger correlation among women, people aged at least 70, and people with hyperuricemia. These results suggest that distinguishing the HTHW phenotype can serve as a simple and effective screening strategy for identifying people at higher risk of developing LVH.