Association Between Hyperhomocysteinemia Combined with Metabolic Syndrome and Higher Prevalence of Stroke in Chinese Adults Who Have Elevated Blood Pressure

BACKGROUND: Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) and metabolic syndrome (MS) are established cardiovascular risk factors of stroke and are frequently associated with hypertension. However, studies on the association between HHcy combined with MS and stroke risk in hypertensive patients were absent. MATERIAL/METHODS: In 14 059 selected participants with elevated blood pressure, we assessed the prevalence of the MS and stroke. We defined HHcy as plasma total homocysteine >15 μmol/L. MS was defined according to the Chinese Diabetes Society (CDS) criterion. Multivariable analysis was used to examine the association of HHcy or (and) MS with stroke risk in different models. RESULTS: The prevalence rates of HHcy and MS were 49.96% and 42.21%, respectively. Patients with stroke had higher plasma total homocysteine levels and a higher prevalence of MS (P<0.001). Multivariable analyses indicated that HHcy and MS are independently associated with higher prevalence of stroke (adjusted-odds ratio (OR): 1.36, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.58, P<0.001; adjusted-OR: 1.68, 95% CI 1.44 to 1.96, P<0.001, respectively). Those with combined HHcy and MS had higher odds of stroke than those with isolated HHcy or MS (adjusted-OR: 1.78, 95% CI 1.47 to 2.15, P<0.001; adjusted-OR: 1.39, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.70, P=0.002, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: HHcy combined with MS was associated with higher prevalence of stroke in Chinese adults with elevated blood pressure.