Comparative analysis of inflammatory and metabolic indices (HALP score, NLR, LMR, and TyG index) in healthy individuals, dipper, and non-dipper hypertensive phenotypes

Objective This study aimed to compare the metabolic and inflammatory profiles of dipper and non-dipper hypertensive patients versus healthy controls, specifically evaluating the Triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index's association with nocturnal blood pressure patterns.Methods This retrospective, cross-sectional study included 325 participants (110 normotensive controls, 106 dipper hypertensive, and 109 non-dipper hypertensive). Circadian blood pressure phenotypes were defined using 24-hour ABPM according to the 2024 ESC Hypertension Guidelines. Inflammatory indices (NLR, LMR, and HALP score) and the TyG index were calculated from fasting blood samples.Results Hypertensive groups had higher BMI and waist circumference than controls (p < 0.001). HALP, NLR, and LMR did not differ between the cohorts (p > 0.05). The TyG index showed the greatest intergroup variation and was strongly associated with the non-dipper phenotype (OR = 3.6, p = 0.004). TyG was positively correlated with nocturnal SBP/DBP and negatively correlated with nocturnal SBP decline. It showed significant diagnostic performance for hypertension and non-dipper status (AUC 0.667–0.696, p < 0.001), but limited accuracy for classifying hypertensive subgroups (AUC = 0.573, p = 0.064).Conclusion The TyG index serves as a significant independently associated with the non-dipper hypertension phenotype, reflecting predominant metabolic and cardio-renal stress rather than cellular inflammation. These findings suggest that clinical management should extend beyond blood pressure control to include early optimization of insulin resistance and atherogenic lipid imbalance. Ultimately, the TyG offers a practical and cost-effective clinical tool for multidimensional cardiometabolic and cardio-renal risk assessment.