Visceral Adiposity Index Is Inversely Associated with Renal Function in Normal-Weight Adults with Hypertension: The China H-Type Hypertension Registry Study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is higher in normal-weight metabolically unhealthy people, especially when combined with hypertension. In this context, whether the visceral adiposity index (VAI), which reflects body fat distribution and metabolism, can be used to identify the risk of CKD among normal-weight hypertensive patients is unclear. Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the association between VAI and renal function in normal-weight hypertensive patients. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 8591 hypertensive patients with normal BMI from the China H-type Hypertension Registry Study were analyzed. The VAI was calculated with serum triglycerides, serum HDL cholesterol, waist circumference, and BMI. VAI was ln-transformed for analysis on account of the skewed distribution. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using the CKD-Epidemiology Collaboration equation. CKD was defined as an eGFR <60 mL · min−1 · 1.73 m−2. Multivariable linear and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association of VAI with eGFR and CKD. Results The prevalence rate of CKD was 10.1%. Multivariable linear regression analyses showed that an elevated lnVAI reduced eGFR by 2.63 mL · min−1 · 1.73 m−2 (95% CI: −3.54, −1.72 mL · min−1 · 1.73 m−2). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that an elevated lnVAI was independently associated with the prevalence of CKD (OR: 1.59; 95% CI: 1.31, 1.93). As possible confounding factors were removed the association became greater. The higher the VAI was, the greater the decrease in eGFR and the higher the risk of CKD. No significant interactions were found in any of the subgroups (age, sex, physical activity, current smoking, current drinking, fasting glucose, LDL cholesterol, blood pressure, and antihypertensive drugs). Conclusions VAI, as a simple surrogate measure of visceral fat accumulation, is independently and inversely associated with renal function in normal-weight Chinese hypertensive adults. This trial was registered at chictr.org.cn as ChiCTR1800017274.