The relationship between Plasma Markers and Essential Hypertension in Middle-aged and Elderly Chinese Population: A...

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology
• Biomarker Research
• Geriatric Medicine

Background:

• Plasma biomarkers are crucial for assessing long-term cardiovascular disease risk.
• Hypertension prevalence increases with age, particularly in middle and old-aged populations.
• Understanding the association between specific plasma markers and hypertension is vital for risk stratification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between various plasma biomarkers and hypertension in middle and old-aged Chinese individuals.
• To identify specific biomarkers associated with an increased prevalence of hypertension.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 2624 Chinese participants aged 62.02 ± 5.73 years.
• Measurement of plasma levels for high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), homocysteine (Hcy), high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT), NT-proBNP, 25-Hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), HbA1c, and serum uric acid (SUA).
• Statistical analysis to compare biomarker levels between hypertensive and control groups and assess odds ratios for hypertension across biomarker quartiles.

Main Results:

• Plasma hs-CRP, Hcy, HbA1c, and SUA levels were significantly higher in the hypertension group.
• Positive associations were observed between the highest quartiles of Hcy, NT-proBNP, and HbA1c and hypertension prevalence (ORs ranging from 1.48 to 1.94).
• Multivariable analysis confirmed independent associations, with higher odds of hypertension for elevated Hcy in both men and women.

Conclusions:

• Elevated homocysteine (Hcy), NT-proBNP, and HbA1c levels are independently and robustly associated with hypertension prevalence in middle-aged and elderly Chinese.
• These biomarkers may serve as valuable indicators for hypertension risk in this demographic.
• Further longitudinal studies are recommended to confirm these findings.