Background: The hypertriglyceridemic waist (HTGW) phenotype, characterized by elevated waist circumference and triglyceride levels, may be closely associated with the development of hypertension.
Objective: To systematically evaluate the association between the HTGW phenotype and the risk of hypertension.
Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Medline, Embase, Web of Science, ProQuest, and Cochrane Library to identify observational studies examining the relationship between the HTGW phenotype and hypertension. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were extracted. Meta-analysis was performed using fixed or random-effects models, with heterogeneity assessed via I² and publication bias evaluated through funnel plots and Egger's test.
Results: Six studies involving 32,284 participants were included. The pooled OR was 1.92 (95% CI: 1.54–2.39, P < 0.001), indicating a significant positive association between the HTGW phenotype and hypertension. Subgroup analyses yielded consistent results, with no significant publication bias detected (Egger's test, P = 0.21).
Conclusion: The HTGW phenotype significantly increases the risk of hypertension, suggesting its potential value in early screening and intervention strategies for hypertension.
Keywords: Hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype, hypertension, meta-analysis,