Utility of the Visceral Adiposity Index and Hypertriglyceridemic Waist Phenotype for Predicting Incident Hypertension

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the utility of the visceral adiposity index (VAI) and the hypertriglyceridemic waist (HTGW) phenotype as possible hypertension (HTN) predictors in a high-risk population without diabetes and HTN.

Methods: Incident HTN over a 7-year follow-up was assessed among 1,375 first-degree non-diabetic and non-hypertensive relatives of consecutive patients with type 2 diabetes who were 30 to 70 years of age. HTN was defined as a blood pressure reading ≥140/90 mm Hg or the use of antihypertensive medications. We examined the incidence of HTN across VAI quintiles and four groups defined according to baseline fasting serum triglyceride (TG) levels and waist circumference (WC).

Results: The VAI and the HTGW phenotype at baseline were related to an increased risk for HTN. In comparison with the lowest VAI quintile, the highest VAI quintile showed a significant associated with HTN in an age- and gender-adjusted model (odds ratio [OR], 1.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07 to 2.55). Those with HTGW were 2.3 times (OR, 2.27; 95% CI, 1.54 to 3.35) more likely to develop HTN than those with a normal WC and normal TG levels.

Conclusion: Greater VAI values weakly predicted HTN, whereas the HTGW phenotype was a stronger predictor of incident HTN in an Iranian high-risk population.

Keywords: Hypertension; Hypertriglyceridemic waist; Incidence; Risk factors; Visceral adiposity index.

Fig. 1. Flow diagram of inclusion and exclusion criteria in the Isfahan Diabetes Prevention Study. A total of 1,375 individuals were included in this study. T2DM, type 2 diabetes mellitus; VAI, visceral adiposity index.