Abstract:
Objective To investigate the impact of cumulative exposure of the serum uric acid to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (cumUHR) on the incidence of new-onset atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).
Methods This study conducted a retrospective analysis using a prospective cohort database, selecting 52 865 employees of the Kailuan Group who underwent consecutive physical examinations in 2006, 2008, and 2010 as the study subjects. Based on the quartile levels of cumUHR, the participants were divided into 4 groups. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the cumulative incidence of new-onset ASCVD in each group. A multivariate Cox regression model was constructed to analyze the impact of cumUHR levels on new-onset ASCVD, and a restricted cubic spline plot with 4 knots was utilized to explore the dose-response relationship.
Results The median follow-up time was 11.95 years, during which 4 773 new cases of ASCVD (9.03%) were recorded. After adjusting for confounding factors including baseline serum uric acid to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (UHR) values, the Cox proportional hazards model revealed that compared with the first quartile group of cumUHR, the fourth quartile group had a 19.4% increased risk of ASCVD (HR = 1.194, 95%CI: 1.074–1.328). Subtype analysis revealed that cumUHR was associated with heart failure and myocardial infarction (P<0.05), while no associated with ischemic stroke (P>0.05). Subgroup analysis showed that cumUHR was associated with ASCVD risk in both male and female populations, but particularly prominent in females. Increased ASCVD risk was observed only in non-obese (BMI<28 kg/m2) individuals, non-diabetic individuals, and those aged ≥ 60 years. The restricted cubic spline model indicated a linear dose-response relationship between cumUHR levels and the risk of ASCVD incidence (Poverall = 0.011, Pnon-linear = 0.823).
Conclusions cumUHR is a risk factor for incident ASCVD, exhibiting a linear dose-response relationship with the risk of ASCVD onset. This risk association demonstrates organ specificity. Sex, age, as well as diabetes and obesity status may impact the relationship between cumUHR and the risk of ASCVD.