Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with elevated insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk, particularly in otherwise low-risk individuals: the Tongren health care study.

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVES

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) has been increasingly linked to extragastric conditions. However, the relationship between H. pylori infection and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remains controversial. This study aims to investigate the association between H. pylori infection and 10-year cardiovascular risk.

METHODS

A total of 1,398 subjects who underwent health examinations at Beijing Tongren Hospital were included in this study. H. pylori infection was determined using 13C-breath test. The 10-year cardiovascular risk was assessed using the Framingham score. Insulin resistance was evaluated through the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and its derivatives. Logistic regression and subgroup analyses were performed to evaluate associations.

RESULTS

Individuals with H. pylori infection exhibited significantly higher TyG index and its derivatives (all P < 0.001), indicating increased insulin resistance. All TyG-related indices were strongly correlated with 10-year CVD risk, with TyG-WHR showing the strongest association (R = 0.745, P < 0.001). The estimated 10-year CVD risk was significantly higher in the H. pylori-infected group (P = 0.003). After adjusting for potential confounders, H. pylori infection remained independently associated with high cardiovascular risk (OR = 2.552, 95% CI: 1.312-4.963, P = 0.006). Notably, this association was more pronounced in females, individuals younger than 50 years, non-smokers, non-diabetics, and those without hypertension.

CONCLUSIONS

H. pylori infection is associated with increased insulin resistance and elevated 10-year cardiovascular risk, particularly among individuals without traditional risk factors. These findings suggest that H. pylori infection may represent a non-traditional contributor to cardiovascular risk and warrants further investigation.