TyG index tied to emotional well-being in women with hypertension

The association between triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and emotional states is stronger in women than in men, suggests a study.

A team of investigators performed this cross-sectional study within the framework of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study and included a total of 5,379 adults (53.43 percent female). They then categorized participants into three groups based on blood pressure (BP) status, namely normotensive, suspected, and diagnosed hypertension.

The investigators calculated the TyG index and assessed emotional states using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). They explored the association using linear regression models.

The TyG index was significantly associated with emotional states, including depression, anxiety, and stress, only in women with diagnosed hypertension. Specifically, each one-unit increase in the TyG index correlated with a nearly 3-point increase in the scores of depression (β, 3.09; p=0.007), anxiety (β, 3.09; p=0.009), and stress (β, 3.09; p=0.007).

Notably, significant associations between the TyG index and emotional states were not observed in men or across other BP groups.

“The study highlights a stronger association between women's emotional well-being and their metabolic health compared to men,” the investigators said. “Additionally, it underscores the critical importance of addressing emotional health in women with high TyG and diagnosed hypertension.”