C-reactive protein-triglyceride glucose index and heart failure in US adults from NHANES 2001–2010

The C-reactive protein(CRP)-triglyceride glucose index (CTI) is a new composite biomarker used to assess inflammation and insulin resistance(IR) severity. Heart failure (HF) poses a substantial epidemiological threat with increasing incidence and mortality worldwide. However, the relationship between CTI and HF has not been extensively investigated. Using cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001-2010, 21,974 participants ≥ 20 years were included. HF diagnosis was based on self-reported medical history. Multivariable logistic regression adjusted for demographic, lifestyle, and clinical covariates. Smooth curve fitting analyzed dose-response relationships, while subgroup analyses explored effect heterogeneity. The research cohort comprised 21,974 individuals (631 HF cases, 21,343 non-HF). HF patients exhibited significantly higher CTI levels (p < 0.001), and a positive correlation with HF prevalence was observed (p < 0.001). Consistent positive associations were maintained across subgroups, with no significant interactions detected. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated adjusted ORs for HF per 1-unit CTI increase of 1.492 (model 1, unadjusted) and 1.279 (model 3, fully adjusted). Quartile analysis revealed a progressive increase in prevalent HF with higher CTI levels, and model 3 confirmed a nonlinear dose-response relationship (p < 0.001) with a threshold at 11.657. CTI is positively associated with the presence of HF in US adults, suggesting its potential as a biomarker for HF prevention and treatment strategies.