Protective Factors Against Hypertension: A Retrospective Population-Based Analysis of Resilience in High-Risk Groups

Background While risk factors for hypertension (HTN) are well-known, some high-risk individuals remain free of the condition, suggesting the presence of protective factors. Objective The objective of this study is to identify protective factors associated with resistance to hypertension among high-risk individuals using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data. Methods A retrospective, cross-sectional analysis was conducted using NHANES data from 2007 to 2018. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the links between hypertension and possible protective factors such as high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, sleep duration, and dietary fiber intake (DFI) while taking into account age, gender, and race/ethnicity. Results Higher HDL cholesterol and longer sleep duration were significantly associated with reduced odds of hypertension. Dietary fiber intake was not independently associated after adjustment. Conclusion HDL cholesterol and adequate sleep appear to offer protective effects against hypertension. Further studies should include genetic markers, inflammatory biomarkers, and omega-3 fatty acids to better understand biological resilience to hypertension.