Lower Lean Mass Is Associated with Greater Arterial Stiffness in Patients with Lower Extremity Artery Disease

Abstract

Background: Arterial stiffness is independently associated with lower extremity artery disease (LEAD). Although obesity is already known as an independent cardiovascular risk factor, it was found that, paradoxically, in patients diagnosed with cardiovascular disease, an increase in body mass index (BMI) was associated with a decrease in mortality. However, the underlying mechanism of this paradoxical association remain uncertain. In this study, we firstly hypothesize that arterial stiffness correlates with body mass; secondly, the underlying mechanism of the association for patients with LEAD is individual body composition, in particular, lean mass. Methods: The present study was performed as a single-center, prospective, observational analysis. A total of 412 patients with current or previously diagnosed LEAD (Rutherford Classification 2–4) were included, the cfPWV and AIx were measured as indices of arterial stiffness, and a body composition assessment was performed. Results: In male patients, there was a significantly negative correlation between the AIx and lean mass coefficient (p = 0.004, 95% CI: −0.28 (−0.48–0.09)). Conclusion: For patients with peripheral arterial disease, our data show that lower lean mass in male patients is associated with increased arterial stiffness as measured by the AIx. Therefore, progressive resistance training may be beneficial for the reduction in arterial stiffness in PAD patients in secondary prevention.

Association between lean body mass and hypertension: A cross‐sectional study of 50 159 NHANES participants

“…Another research suggests that the non‐linear relationship may be due to the effect of muscle mass on vascular compliance. Low LBM may be associated with reduced vascular compliance, leading to increased resistance and hypertension 29 . Conversely, high lean body mass may lead to increased vascular compliance, which may also lead to hypertension through activation of the renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system(RAAS) and sympathetic nervous system(SNS) 30,31 .…”

“…Low LBM may be associated with reduced vascular compliance, leading to increased resistance and hypertension. 29 Conversely, high lean body mass may lead to increased vascular compliance, which may also lead to hypertension through activation of the renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system(RAAS) and sympathetic nervous system(SNS). 30 , 31 In addition, low and high levels of lean body mass may be associated with increased inflammation and oxidative stress, which are known risk factors for hypertension.…”

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.…”