Association between the uric acid and hypertension in community-based Chinese population: stratified analysis based on body mass index and age

Many studies have shown that uric acid was related to hypertension. However, the association dependence on body mass index (BMI) or age was unclear. This study was performed with a group of 4012 Chinese population aged 30 to 92 years old. Subjects were divided into four groups according to the quartiles of uric acid (UA) concentration [First group: <= 231 mu mol/L (reference), Second group: 231-289 mu mol/L, Third group: 289-362 mu mol/L, Fourth group: > 362 mu mol/L]. Hypertension was defined as newly measured blood pressure >= 140/90 mmHg or taking antihypertensive drugs. Stratified analysis based on BMI (< 28 kg/m(2)vs >= 28 kg/m(2)) and age (< 60 years old vs >= 60 years old) to analyze the association between UA and hypertension. Subjects were 54.50 (45.00, 63.00) years old, and 40.98% were male, 38.33% were hypertension. Adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for the association of UA and hypertension were 2.226 (1.662, 2.980), 4.340 (3.253, 5.790), 5.898 (4.434, 7.845) and 6.557 (4.927, 8.727) in the four groups among >= 60 years old respectively comparing with first group among < 60 years old. Adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for the association between UA and hypertension were 2.170 (1.236, 3.808), 5.260 (3.267, 8.468), 9.056 (5.509, 14.888) and 3.730 (2.529, 5.550) in the four groups among BMI >= 28 kg/m(2)respectively comparing with first group among BMI < 28 kg/m(2). Uric acid was significantly associated with the hypertension. The association was stronger among subjects >= 60 years old or BMI >= 28 kg/m(2).