Association between platelet to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (PHR) and hypertension: evidence from NHANES 2005-2018

Background The Platelet to High-Density Lipoprotein cholesterol Ratio (PHR) is a novel indicator of inflammatory response and metabolic disorders, linked to various chronic diseases. This study aims to investigate the relationship between PHR and hypertension. Methods Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), collected across seven consecutive cycles from 2005 to 2018, were analyzed. The dataset included participants' hypertension status as reported by a doctor, their use of antihypertensive medications, and the average of three blood pressure measurements to identify hypertensive adults, along with complete information for PHR calculation. PHR was calculated based on Platelet (PLT) count and High-Density Lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) using the following formula: PHR = [PLT (1000 cells/mu L) / HDL-C (mmol/L)]. A multivariable logistic regression model was employed to assess the association between PHR and hypertension, and subgroup analyses were conducted to explore potential influencing factors. Additionally, Restricted Cubic Spline (RCS) curves were applied for threshold effect analysis to describe nonlinear relationships. Results Higher PHR was associated with an increased prevalence of hypertension. After adjusting for various covariates, including race, education level, Family Poverty Income Ratio (PIR), smoking, alcohol consumption, sleep disturbances, waist circumference, diabetes, coronary heart disease, angina, heart attack, and stroke, the results remained significant (OR = 1.36; 95% CI, 1.32, 1.41, P < 0.001). Participants with the highest PHR levels had a 104% higher risk of hypertension compared to those with the lowest PHR levels (OR = 2.04; 95% CI, 1.89, 2.21, P < 0.001). Conclusion Elevated PHR levels are strongly associated with an increased risk of hypertension. Specifically, when PHR is below 280, the risk of hypertension increases in proportion to PHR. This suggests that regular monitoring of PHR may help identify patients at risk of hypertension early, allowing for timely interventions to slow disease progression. Larger cohort studies are necessary to confirm these findings.