Associations between high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and hypertension base on NHANES 2017-2018

Abstract

Abstract Background: High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is a systemic inflammation marker. Currently, the relationship between hsCRP and hypertension is still controversial. The purpose of this study is to further investigate the possible link between hsCRP and hypertension. Methods: The cross-sectional data was obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017-2018. We used multiple logistic regression models to examine the possible relationship between hsCRP and hypertension. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) models were used to further detect thenonlinear dose-response relationship between hsCRP and hypertension. Results: A total of 4307 participants were enrolled in this study, including 2085 (48.4%) males and 2222 (51.6%) females. 1453 (33.7%) participants were over 60 years old and 1584 (36.8%) participants had hypertension. After adjusting for all potential confounders, the positive association between hsCRP and hypertension was statistically significant (OR=1.017; 95%CI: 1.006~1.028). Besides, compared to the lowest quartile of hsCRP, the highest quartile was associated with a higher risk of hypertension (OR=1.572; 95%CI: 1.237~1.997). Furthermore, the restricted cubic spline (RCS) model also showed a nonlinear relationship between hsCRP and hypertension (P for nonlinear < 0.001). Conclusions: The cross-sectional population based study demonstrates the significant positive association between hsCRP and hypertension. Early screening for hsCRP and initiation of treatment may be helpful in preventing hypertension.