Heart HealthHigher TMAO Levels Track With Higher Blood Pressure in Adults
Higher blood levels of trimethylamine-N-oxide, or TMAO, were associated with higher blood pressure in a study of 500 Chinese adults from 173 families. Participants averaged about 57 years old. Each additional micromole per liter of TMAO was linked to a 0.74 mmHg higher systolic pressure, the upper blood pressure number, and a 0.64 mmHg higher pulse pressure, the gap between the upper and lower numbers. Associations were statistically significant in men and adults aged 60 or older, but not in women or younger adults. This does not prove that the relationships differ between these groups. Blood sugar and blood fat markers showed no significant associations. The findings do not establish causation or justify TMAO testing or treatment changes. This summary is based on the abstract only.
