The Association Between Metabolic Score for Insulin Resistance and the Risk of Hypertension

Objectives To systematically investigate the association and dose-response relationship between the metabolic score for insulin resistance (METS-IR) and the risk of hypertension, using data from a prospective cohort study of Chinese adults. Methods A total of 4866 adults without baseline hypertension were enrolled from the 2009 China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) and followed up for 6 years to observe new-onset hypertension. Multivariable logistic regression, restricted cubic spline analysis, and subgroup analyses were employed to comprehensively evaluate the relationship between METS-IR and hypertension risk. Results During follow-up, 1256 participants developed hypertension. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that METS-IR was an independent risk factor for hypertension. As a continuous variable, METS-IR showed a positive correlation with hypertension risk (OR = 1.03, 95% CI, 1.02-1.05, P <.001). In quartile analyses, compared with the lowest quartile, the highest quartile of METS-IR was associated with increased hypertension risk (OR = 1.73, 95% CI, 1.37-2.18, P <.001). Restricted cubic spline analysis confirmed a linear correlation between METS-IR and hypertension risk (Pnonlinear = .388). Subgroup analyses indicated no significant interaction effects of sex, smoking, alcohol consumption, region, body mass index, or age on this association (all P for interaction >.05). Conclusions Metabolic score for insulin resistance serves as an independent risk factor for hypertension, with elevated levels demonstrating a robust positive correlation with hypertension risk.