The relationship between C-reactive protein/albumin ratio and mortality in hypertensive patients: a national cohort study

Background and Aims:The impact of inflammation on the prognosis of hypertension has received some attention.The current study examined the association between Creactive protein to albumin ratio (CAR), a novel indicator of inflammatory response, and mortality in individuals with hypertension. Methods and results:A total of 9,561 eligible individuals diagnosed with hypertension were included in the final analysis.CAR was calculated as ratio of C-reactive protein to serum albumin concentration.Patients were categorized into tertiles based on their baseline CAR levels.The Kaplan-Meier survival method was employed to compare the survival times of patients throughout the follow-up period.Multivariable analysis was conducted using the Cox proportional regression model.In the entire study population, 3,262 (27%) experienced all-cause mortality.Patients in tertile 3 exhibited a higher risk of mortality (23% vs. 28% vs. 31%, P < 0.001) in comparison to those in the other tertiles.The findings from the multivariable Cox regression analysis demonstrated that when patients in tertile 1 were used as the reference group, the highest CAR tertile displayed a 60% increased risk of all-cause mortality (HR, 1.60 [95%CI,.09]P < 0.001). Conclusion:Among hypertensive patients, elevated CAR was found to be associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality.Therefore, CAR might be used for risk stratification within this population, facilitating the implementation of closer follow-up and the optimization of treatment strategies.