Monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein ratio: an independent predictor of reverse dipper pattern in hypertensive...

In healthy individuals, blood pressure (BP) levels are expected to decrease by 10-20% during sleep hours, which is defined as the dipping pattern. On the other hand, the presence of a BP rise at night in hypertensive patients is defined as a reverse dipper hypertensive pattern (RDHT). RDHT has been associated with stroke and cardiovascular mortality. Similarly, the monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) has been associated with the prognosis of cardiovascular disease. We, therefore, aimed to assess the relationship between MHR and RDHT in patients with hypertension.

A total of 363 patients were enrolled in the study, all of whom had undergone 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring. The patients were analyzed in three groups: RDHT (n: 92), dipper hypertensive (DHT) (n: 124), and normotensive controls (n: 147). Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to identify factors that could be used to predict RDHT presence.

The RDHT group was compared with the DHT and normotensive groups. A high MHR (p = 0.014, OR: 1.110, CIs: 1.021-1.206) and low daytime diastolic BP (p = 0.026, OR: 0.951, CIs: 0.910-0.994) were found to be independent factors that differentiated RDHT from DHT. Additionally, high MHR (p < 0.001, OR: 1.244, CIs: 1.140-1.357), body mass index (p = 0.005, OR: 1.143, CIs: 1.042-1.255), and C-reactive protein (p = 0.009, OR: 1.166, CIs: 1.039-1.308) were found to be independent factors that could differentiate patients with RDHT from controls.

We demonstrated that MHR, a novel inflammatory marker, independently predicts RDHT. This easily applicable and inexpensive marker can be used to predict RDHT in patients with hypertension.