CTSB and Hypertension: In univariable logistic regression analysis, the odds ratio (OR) of experiencing critical condition was significantly higher in patients with a higher CTSL level (OR, 1.53 per ng/ml; 95% CI, 1.19–1.96; P = 0.001) and older age (OR, 1.94 per 10 years; 95% CI, 1.31–2.88; P = 0.001), while CTSB, ACE2, Ang(1–7), sex, and coexistence of diabetes or hypertension did not significantly contribute to the odds of experiencing critical condition (Fig. 1g).