Association between Serum Uric Acid and Hypertension in Han and Yugur of Gansu Province: The China National Health Survey

Introduction: Serum uric acid (SUA) has been found correlated with an increased risk of hypertension, but evidence is sparse regarding the association in Gansu Province, especially in Yugur people. This study aimed to explore the nonlinear relationship between SUA levels and hypertension in Han and Yugur people in China. Methods: The cross-sectional study samples (n = 5,327) were from the China National Health Survey (CNHS) in Gansu Province. Participants were selected using a multistage stratified cluster sampling method. SUA was measured by enzymatic methods. The restricted cubic spline regression was performed to evaluate the shape of the association. Results: The overall prevalence of hypertension and hyperuricemia was 28.4% and 17.0%, respectively, in this study. Comparing the highest (>416.4 mu mol/L) to the lowest (<254.1 mu mol/L) SUA level groups, the multivariable adjusted differences and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in blood pressure (BP) were 6.15 (4.22, 8.08) mm Hg and 4.87 (3.51, 6.23) mm Hg for SBP and DBP in Han, and 2.22 (-0.73, 5.18) mm Hg and 2.56 (0.38, 4.75) mm Hg for SBP and DBP in Yugur people, respectively. The corresponding odds ratios (95% CIs) for hypertension were 3.16 (2.26, 4.43) and 2.37 (1.46, 3.89) in Han and Yugur people, respectively. The restricted cubic spline regression models illustrated that both BP level and the risk of hypertension increased with elevated SUA levels in Han and Yugur people. Conclusions: SUA was significantly and independently associated with an increased risk of hypertension in Han and Yugur people. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.