Association of non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (NHHR) with gout prevalence: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background The non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (NHHR), which stands for the proportion of non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), is a strong lipid marker that is linked to atherogenic features. The aim of the research was to investigate the potential association between NHHR and the prevalence of gout. Methods This study investigated the correlation between NHHR levels and gout by analyzing information gathered by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a research study conducted in the United States from 2007 to 2018. NHHR is a mathematical formula that calculates the ratio of non-HDL-C to HDL-C. Gout assessment was conducted through a questionnaire. Multifactorial logistic regression analysis, subgroup analysis, and smoothed curve fitting were employed in this study. Results The study included 30,482 subjects. The fully adjusted models showed that for each unit rise in NHHR in continuous variables, there was an 11% higher likelihood of gout prevalence (OR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.07–1.15). The analysis of the NHHR quartile variable revealed that those in the highest quartile of NHHR had a notably greater risk of developing gout in comparison to with people in the lowest quartile. (Q4 vs. Q1, OR: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.21–1.68). The subgroup analyses yielded consistent results across categories, indicating a substantial positive correlation between NHHR and gout. Interaction tests showed that gender, race, level of education, marital relationship, PIR, hypertension, BMI, smoking habits, and diabetes had no discernible effect on this association. The p-values for all the interactions were more than 0.05. Nevertheless, the relationship between NHHR and gout was substantially affected by the age of the participants (interaction p-value < 0.05). Conclusion Among adults in the United States, elevated NHHR levels are correlated with an increased odds of gout prevalence. Effectively managing NHHR levels may reduce the occurrence of gout.