Association Between Total Cholesterol-to-High-Density Lipoprotein Ratio and Gestational Hypertension: A Case-Control...

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Cardiovascular Health
• Metabolic Disorders

Background:

• Dyslipidemia is linked to gestational hypertension (GH), but individual lipid parameters have shown inconsistent associations.
• The total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TC/HDL-C) ratio may offer a more robust indicator of this association.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between the TC/HDL-C ratio and the incidence of GH.
• To evaluate the relationship between varying levels of the TC/HDL-C ratio and GH risk.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 307 women with GH and 307 controls in China (2021-2024).
• Blood samples collected post-20 weeks gestation; TC/HDL-C ratio calculated and categorized into quintiles.
• Multivariable logistic regression and restricted cubic splines (RCS) used to analyze associations, adjusting for confounders.

Main Results:

• A higher TC/HDL-C ratio was significantly associated with an increased odds of GH (OR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.11-1.88).
• Progressively increasing TC/HDL-C ratio quintiles correlated with escalating GH odds.
• RCS analysis indicated a linear relationship between higher TC/HDL-C ratios and increased GH risk.

Conclusions:

• A positive association exists between the TC/HDL-C ratio and GH.
• The association varied significantly across subgroups stratified by hematocrit (HCT) and triglycerides (TG).
• While the TC/HDL-C ratio is linked to GH, its effect may reflect underlying metabolic status rather than a direct lipid effect, with BMI data unavailable.