The association between triglyceride-glucose index and the likelihood of cardiovascular disease in the U.S. population of older adults aged ≥ 60 years: a population-based study

Abstract Background The association between the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the general elderly population in the United States aged 60 and above is not well understood. The objective of our study was to examine the relationship between the TyG index and CVD likelihood in the general elderly population over 60 years of age in the United States. Methods Data for this cross-sectional study were sourced from the 2003–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Weighted multivariable regression analysis and subgroup analysis were conducted to estimate the independent relationship between the TyG index and the likelihood of CVD. Non-linear correlations were explored using restricted cubic splines. Results A total of 6502 participants were included, with a mean TyG index of 8.75 ± 0.01. The average prevalence of CVD was 24.31% overall. Participants in the higher TyG quartiles showed high rates of CVD (Quartile 1: 19.91%; Quartile 2: 21.65%; Quartile 3: 23.82%; Quartile 4: 32.43%). For CVD, a possible association between the TyG index and the odds of CVD was observed. Our findings suggest a nonlinear association between the TyG index and the odds of CVD. The threshold of 8.73 for the likelihood of CVD. Interaction terms were employed to assess heterogeneities among each subgroup, revealing a significant difference specifically in alcohol consumption. This suggests that the positive association between the TyG index and the likelihood of CVD is dependent on the drinking status of the participants. Conclusion A higher TyG index is linked to an increased likelihood of CVD in US adults aged ≥ 60 years. TyG index is anticipated to emerge as a more effective metric for identifying populations at early likelihood of CVD.