Triglyceride/high-density cholesterol ratio as a predictor of cardiometabolic risk in young population

Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Understanding and detecting risk factors are crucial for early diagnosis and prevention strategies. Obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and insulin resistance, among others, have been described as modifiable risk factors. Among these, the triglycerides-to-HDL cholesterol (TG/HDL) ratio has been described as a marker of insulin resistance and a predictor of cardiovascular disease. Our objective was to investigate the association between the TG/HDL ratio and various cardiometabolic risk factors. A total of 239 young adults aged 18-24 years were recruited. We assessed anthropometric measurements, lipid profiles, glucose levels, insulin, the HOMA index, and the TG/HDL ratio. Participants were stratified based on their BMI and TG/HDL ratio. Our findings revealed that individuals with an elevated TG/HDL ratio had higher blood pressure, BMI, waist circumference, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels compared to those with a normal ratio. Specifically, the TG/HDL ratio was associated with an odds ratio (OR) of 9.3 for overweight, 27.5 for obesity, and 4.41 for abdominal obesity. Additionally, the HOMA index, which measures insulin resistance, was higher in those with an elevated TG/HDL ratio, with a prevalence of 45.6%. In conclusion, the TG/HDL ratio is a predictive marker of insulin resistance in young individuals and is associated with modifiable risk factors for cardiometabolic disease.