Cardiometabolic Index Correlations with Coronary Heart Disease among U.S. Adults: A NHANES 1999–2018 Analysis

Abstract Background Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a prevalent global health challenge, resulting in substantial morbidity and mortality, with atherosclerosis being its principal pathological characteristic. Recently, the interrelationship between CHD and cardiometabolic diseases has garnered significant attention in the research community. The cardiometabolic index (CMI), a composite indicator of lipid metabolism and obesity, has emerged as a potential predictor of cardiometabolic disorders. The principal aim of the research is to elucidate the correlation between CHD and CMI within a large-scale, nationally representative sample. Methods This study employed a cross-sectional methodology, examining datasets derived from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted over the period of 1999 to 2018.. After applying the exclusion criteria, the study ultimately included 33,917 individuals. The CMI was calculated via the following formula: CMI = waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) × [triglyceride (TG)/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)]. CHD status was determined by self-reported physician diagnosis. To evaluate the link between CMI and CHD, several weighted generalized linear models were utilized, adjusted for potential confounding variables. Results Considering the weights, the prevalence of CHD was 3.45%. The CMI values were significantly greater among participants with CHD than among those without CHD. Upon covariate adjustment, a significant and positive correlation was identified between elevated CMI and the incidence of CHD. Subgroup analysis elucidated a modification of the association by hypertension status, demonstrating a more pronounced correlation in non-hypertensiveindividuals.