Keywords
abdominal aortic calcification
NHANES
How to Cite
Abstract
Background and Aim: The ratio of non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (NHHR) is an emerging lipid index that may surpass traditional single lipid indices in evaluating cardiovascular disease risk. This study aims to explore the relationship between NHHR and abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) in adult populations.
Methods and Results: This study assessed the association between levels of the NHHR and AAC using data from the 2013-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The NHHR was calculated as the ratio of non-HDL-C to HDL-C. AAC was evaluated using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry data. The analysis employed multivariate logistic regression, sensitivity analysis, and smoothing curve fitting to examine the NHHR-AAC relationship. Additionally, subgroup analyses and interaction tests were conducted to determine the consistency of this association across different populations. The study included 3,030 participants, with 26.24% identified as having AAC. There was a significant positive relationship between NHHR and AAC: each unit increase in NHHR was associated with 15% higher odds of AAC prevalence [OR 1.15 (95% CI 1.08, 1.24)]. Participants in the highest NHHR quartile had a 71% greater odds of AAC prevalence compared to those in the lowest quartile [OR 1.71 (95% CI 1.30, 2.26)]. This association was particularly strong among individuals with a BMI under 25.
Conclusions: Our research findings reveal a significant correlation between the NHHR and AAC among adult populations in the United States. Given its ease of use and effectiveness, monitoring NHHR could serve as a valuable early intervention strategy to prevent AAC
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