Factors Associated with Brachial-Ankle Pulse Wave Velocity in an Apparently Healthy Chinese Population

Abstract

Purpose. To investigate the factors influencing brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) in an apparently healthy Chinese population, especially the associations between baPWV and indices of blood pressure (BP). Methods. A total of 1123 participants with no history of hypertension were enrolled in this study, and the baPWV and BP of all four limbs were measured along with other covariates. Correlation analyses and multivariate linear regression models were used to identify factors associated with baPWV. Results. A total of 1123 participants (male 43.3%, mean age: 58.4±13.9 years) were included. The average baPWV was 14.87±3.21 m/s, and no difference was found between the sexes. Age was positively correlated with baPWV (r=0.65, p<0.01), especially in females (r=0.71 versus 0.56 in males). The correlation coefficient between age and baPWV increased markedly after the age of 65 years. In addition, the resting heart rate (RHR), waist-hip ratio, glomerular filtration rate, and plasma glucose level were significantly correlated with baPWV (r=0.25, 0.22, -0.43, and 0.25, respectively; p<0.01). BP parameters were highly positively correlated with baPWV, especially systolic BP (SBP) and pulse pressure (PP). Multivariate regression revealed that age, BP parameters, and RHR were independently correlated with baPWV (p<0.01) after adjusting for confounding factors. The standardized coefficients of SBP were greater than those of PP, followed by diastolic BP (DBP). Conclusion. BaPWV increased with age, especially after 65 years. Age, BP, and RHR were independent factors associated with baPWV. The effect of SBP on baPWV was more prominent than that of PP.

Cross-sectional association between body fat percentage and arteriosclerosis assessed by Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index in a Chinese population: a retrospective observational study

“…The study concluded a negative correlation between BMI and CAVI, which shares the results of some prior studies 20 21 and echoes the 'obesity paradox' 12 13 that high BMI may benefit people with cardiovascular disease. Such paradoxical relationship between BMI and arteriosclerosis may be explained by the following two aspects: first, bapwv is susceptible to blood pressure, 14 which undermines the accuracy of AS evaluated by bapwv and second, BMI fails to reflect the true picture of obesity, for example, a higher BMI can be found in a strong athlete. However, BFP is a more accurate, reliable and significant indicator to assess overall obesity.…”

“…Such paradoxical relationship between BMI and arteriosclerosis may be explained by the following two aspects: first, bapwv is susceptible to blood pressure, 14 which undermines the accuracy of AS evaluated by bapwv and second, BMI fails to reflect the true picture of obesity, for example, a higher BMI can be found in a strong athlete. However, BFP is a more accurate, reliable and significant indicator to assess overall obesity.…”

“…In contrast to previous studies, we speculate that this controversy may be due to the fact that BMI does not reflect the true picture of adiposity and the vulnerability of bapwv to blood pressure. 14 Therefore, this study uses body fat percentage (BFP), which is a more accurate assessment of obesity, and…”

“…In contrast to previous studies, we speculate that this controversy may be due to the fact that BMI does not reflect the true picture of adiposity and the vulnerability of bapwv to blood pressure. 14 Therefore, this study uses body fat percentage (BFP), which is a more accurate assessment of obesity, and Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index (CAVI), which is more accurate than bapwv and is independent of blood pressure for analyses. 15 16 In this study, we explored the relationship between BFP and CAVI and analysed other factors that may influence CAVI as well.…”

Relationship between physical fitness and arterial stiffness in Korean older adults

“…Generalized linear analysis was used to study the association between each exercise capacity (VO 2 max, walking speed, handgrip strength, and one-leg standing time) and baPWV, controlling for the identified confounding factors: sex, age, sBP, lean mass, and BMI, and adjusting for smoking, which is a known risk factor for atherosclerosis. [9,[35][36][37] In addition, an active lifestyle was adjusted as a confounding factor. [10] A family history of cardiovascular disease was adjusted for as an additional confounding factor.…”