A strong association of the hypertriglyceridemic waist (HTGW) phenotype with hypertension was found in this study. In people with HTGW phenotype, clinical monitoring of blood pressure is advised. A combined use of hypertriglyceridemia waist phenotype was suggested for identification of individuals who are at high risk of hypertension.

• In this cross-sectional analysis of 9,015 adults from China, the association between the HTGW phenotype [defined as elevated waist circumference and increased triglyceride level] and hypertension was examined.

• In participants with the HTGW phenotype, there was a significantly higher prevalence of hypertension compared with those with the normal waist normal triglyceride phenotype (89.9% vs 75.3%, respectively).

• Post-adjusting for age, gender, body mass index, current smoker, and current alcohol intake, the HTGW phenotype was found to be linked with hypertension (odds ratio (OR)1.53; 95% CI 1.25–1.87).

• Post-further adjustment for potential confounders, there was still a significant association of HTGW phenotype with hypertension (adjusted OR1.28; 95% CI 1.04-1.58) irrespective of gender.

• In subgroup analyses, generally similar associations were noted across all subgroups.