baPWV Levels Research Articles

Association between Brachial-Ankle Pulse Wave Velocity, Obesity-Related Indices, and the 10-Year Incident Risk Score of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: The Rural Chinese Cohort Study.

Background and AimsAlthough existing evidence suggests that arterial stiffness and obesity impact cardiovascular health, limited studies have been conducted to explore the association between brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), obesity-related indices, and the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Methods and ResultsThe study participants were among those who completed the baPWV measurement at the second follow-up examination (during 2018-2020) of the Rural Chinese Cohort Study. Logistic regression models were employed to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the 10-year incident risk score of ASCVD associated with baPWV and obesity-related indices. Mediation analysis was applied to investigate the role of baPWV in the obesity-induced 10-year incident risk score of ASCVD. A total of 1,589 individuals, including 573 men and 1,016 women, were included in the study. In logistic regression analyses, the highest quartile levels of baPWV and obesity-related indices all significantly increased the 10-year incident risk score of ASCVD compared to their corresponding lowest quartiles. The ORs (95%CIs) of ASCVD 10-year incident risk score risk were 4.21(2.55-6.94) for baPWV, 4.43(2.69-7.29) for METS-VF, 7.20(4.09-12.66) for CVAI, 3.38(2.12-5.38) for CI, and 2.40(1.54-3.75) for ABSI. The indirect effect of baPWV accounted for 5.85%, 7.92%, 14.56%, and 5.08% of the total effects for METS-VF, CVAI, CI, and ABSI, respectively. ConclusionThis study found that elevated levels of both baPWV and obesity-related indices were associated with a higher 10-year incident risk score of ASCVD. Additionally, baPWV partially mediated the obesity-related increase in 10-year incident risk score of ASCVD.

Hepatitis C virus infection increases risk of peripheral arterial disease in end‐stage renal disease patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis therapy

AbstractBoth hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and end‐stage renal disease are associated with an increased risk of developing peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Our objective was to explore the relationship between HCV infection and PAD in hemodialysis patients, using brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) as the assessment method. Since 2016, we have actively been recruiting patients undergoing regular hemodialysis three times a week. All baPWV assessments for our patients were performed before the implementation of direct‐acting antiviral treatment. Furthermore, none of the uremic patients with HCV infection had received interferon‐based treatment in the past. An elevated baPWV measurement surpassing 2100 cm/s is indicative of an increased susceptibility to potential PAD. Our analysis utilized multivariate linear and logistic regression analysis. Individuals with HCV infection exhibited higher baPWV levels compared with those without HCV infection (2006.0 ± 687.4 vs. 1809.3 ± 466.1 cm/s, p = .039). The presence of HCV infection (β = 199.56, 95% CI: 10.56–388.56, p = .039) demonstrated a significantly positive correlation with baPWV levels. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, HCV infection (OR = 2.67, 95% CI: 1.07–6.68, p = .036) significantly associated with baPWV >2100 cm/s. Furthermore, individuals with a higher viral load (HCV RNA ≥60 × 103 IU/mL) (OR = 4.45, 95% CI: 1.12–17.68, p = .034) demonstrated a significant association with baPWV ≥2100 cm/s when compared with non‐HCV infection patients. Additionally, patients with genotype I exhibited a significant association with baPWV ≥2100 cm/s (OR = 8.13, 95% CI: 2.04–32.42, p = .003) in comparison to non‐HCV patients. The presence of HCV infection has been demonstrated to markedly increase baPWV levels. Particularly, HCV infection with higher viral load and genotype I is significantly linked to an elevated risk of PAD. It emphasizes the importance of HCV elimination in the specific population.

Relationship of Dickkopf-1 With Atherosclerosis and Arterial Stiffness in Renal Transplant Recipients

IntroductionDickkopf wingless (Wnt) signaling pathway inhibitor-1 (DKK-1) is a potent antagonist of the WNT canonical signaling pathway. DKK-1 is a substance that exerts anabolic effects on bone and is also involved in vascular cell regulation. The study aimed to determine the relationship of DKK-1 with atherosclerosis as determined by carotid artery intima-media thickness (CA-IMT) and arterial stiffness (AS) as determined by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) in renal transplant recipients (RTRs). MethodsA total of 62 (62%) male and 38 (438%) female RTRs with a mean age of 44.22 ± 10.88 years were included in the study. RTRs were compared with 65 healthy individuals. CA-IMT measurement with ultrasonography was used as a marker of atherosclerosis. The presence of AS was detected with the baPWV device. ResultsCreatinine, CA-IMT, and baPWV were higher in the RTRs compared to the healthy subjects. No difference was determined between the two groups regarding log10 DKK-1. No difference was noted in the levels of CA-IMT and baPWV in patients with log10 DKK-1 > 3.83 pg/mL compared to patients with ≤3.83 pg/mL. Correlation and multivariate analyses showed no correlation between log10 DKK-1 and CA-IMT and baPWV. DiscussionIn RTRs, an increased development of atherosclerosis and AS was observed compared to healthy individuals. There was no difference in DKK-1 between the groups based on improved renal function. DKK-1 was not correlated with atherosclerosis and AS.

High Urine Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio is Associated with Increased Arterial Stiffness in Diabetes: A Chinese Cross-Sectional Study.

Elevated urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) is an established risk factor for microvascular disease in the general population. However, it is unclear whether UACR is associated with arterial stiffness in diabetes. We aimed to assess the relationship between UACR levels and the risk of arterial stiffness in patients with diabetes. From July 2021 to February 2023, a total of 1039 participants were assessed for the risk of arterial stiffness, which was evaluated by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). The value of UACR≥30 mg/g was defined as high UACR. The UACR level had an abnormal distribution and was log2-transformed for analyses to reduce skewness and volatility. High baPWV was evaluated as categorical variables divided by the highest quartile of the values by sex. The relationship between UACR and arterial stiffness was analyzed by linear curve fitting analyses. Multiple logistic regression models were used to analyze the crude and adjusted odds ratio (OR) of UACR for high baPWV with 95% confidence interval (CI). In addition to applying non-adjusted and multivariate-adjusted models, interaction and stratified analyses were also carried out. The baPWV level was significantly higher in the high UACR group compared with that in the normal UACR group (1861.84 ± 439.12 cm/s vs 1723.13 ± 399.63 cm/s, p<0.001). Adjusted smoothed plots suggested that there are linear relationships between log2-transformed UACR and high baPWV, and Spearman correlation coefficient was 0.226 (0.176-0.276, p<0.001). The OR (95% CI) between log2-transformed UACR and high baPWV were 1.26 (1.19-1.33, p<0.001), and 1.16 (1.08-1.25, p<0.001) respectively in diabetic patients before and after adjusting for potential confounders. The elevated UACR was associated with arterial stiffness in Chinese patients with diabetes.

MRI-Measured Pancreatic Fat Correlates with Increased Arterial Stiffness in Patients Who are Overweight and Obese.

Arterial stiffness is often increased in overweight or obese individuals before the development of hypertension (HT). This study aimed to determine the connection between pancreatic fat and atherosclerosis in overweight and obese people without HT. We included 128 patients who were non-hypertensive and overweight or obese in a study between December 2019 and November 2022. Medical history was collected, and all participants underwent a physical examination and blood tests. Pancreatic fat content was measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and was grouped into quartiles based on pancreatic fat fraction (PFF). The upper three quartiles (PFF≥10.33%) were defined as non-alcoholic fatty pancreas disease (NAFPD) and the first quartile (PFF<10.33%) as non-NAFPD. High baPWV (H-baPWV) and low baPWV (L-baPWV) were classified according to the median baPWV (1159 cm/s). The effect of NAFPD on baPWV was examined using binary logistic regression. The study population consisted of 96 NAFPD and 32 non-NAFPD cases. Participants with NAFPD had significantly higher levels of baPWV than people without. The rates of NAFPD and the PFF values varied significantly in the L-baPWV and H-baPWV groups. Logistic regression analysis suggested that the presence of NAFPD was independently correlated with increased baPWV after adjusting for age, smoking, body mass index, blood pressure, lipid profiles, and glycemic index. NAFPD is an independent risk factor for increased baPWV in individuals with overweight and obesity but no HT, suggesting that the presence of NAFPD may be a warning signal of early atherosclerosis.

Temporal and Bidirectional Association Between Blood Pressure Variability and Arterial Stiffness: Cross-Lagged Cohort Study.

The causal relationship between blood pressure variability (BPV) and arterial stiffness remains debated. This study aimed to explore the temporal and bidirectional associations between long-term BPV and arterial stiffness using a cohort design with multiple surveys. Participants from the Beijing Health Management Cohort who underwent health examinations from visit 1 (2010-2011) to visit 5 (2018-2019) were enrolled in this study. Long-term BPV was defined as intraindividual variation using the coefficient of variation (CV) and SD. Arterial stiffness was measured by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). The bidirectional relationship between BPV and arterial stiffness was explored using cross-lagged analysis and linear regression models, with records before and after visit 3 categorized as phase 1 and phase 2, respectively. Of the 1506 participants, who were a mean of 56.11 (SD 8.57) years old, 1148 (76.2%) were male. The cross-lagged analysis indicated that the standardized coefficients of BPV at phase 1 directing to the baPWV level at phase 2 were statistically significant but not vice-versa. The adjusted regression coefficients of the CV were 4.708 (95% CI 0.946-8.470) for systolic blood pressure, 3.119 (95% 0.166-6.073) for diastolic pressure, and 2.205 (95% CI 0.300-4.110) for pulse pressure. The coefficients of the SD were 4.208 (95% CI 0.177-8.239) for diastolic pressure and 4.247 (95% CI 0.448-8.046) for pulse pressure. The associations were predominant in the subgroup with hypertension, but we did not observe any significant association of baPWV level with subsequent BPV indices. The findings supported a temporal relationship between long-term BPV and arterial stiffness level, especially among people with hypertension.

Abstract 372: Association Between Vasomotor Symptoms And Arterial Stiffness Among Women In Menopausal Transition

Obejectives: We examined the association between vasomotor symptoms (VMSs) and arterial stiffness, using brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), among Korean women in menopausal transition. Study design: This cross-sectional study comprised 945 women aged 42-52 years. Methods: VMSs, including hot flashes and night sweats, were assessed using the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life questionnaire (Korean version). Moderate/severe VMSs were defined as having a score of equal to or greater than 3 points (range: 0 to 6, 6 being most bothersome). Arterial stiffness was measured by baPWV. The high-risk group was defined as baPWV over the 90th percentile. Multivariable logistic regression models were performed to determine whether prevalent VMSs were significantly associated with high level of baPWV in menopausal transitioning women. Results: Compared to women without VMSs, those with VMSs had a prevalence ratio (PR) of 2.12 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.17-3.84) for high baPWV after adjusted for age, menopausal status, education levels, body mass index, total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, diabetes, hypertension, physical activity, amount of alcohol intakes, and smoking status. The multivariable-adjusted PRs for high baPWV were 1.54 (95% CI: 0.73-3.23) and 2.72 (95% CI: 1.36-5.44) in women with mild and moderate/severe VMSs, respectively (P for trend = 0.005). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that VMSs, including moderate/severe VMSs, were significantly associated with arterial stiffness among Korean menopausal transitioning women.

Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity as a risk factor for high body fat mediated by blood pressure

ABSTRACT Background Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) is an important clinical indicator of aortic stiffness and a risk predictor of cardiovascular disease and associated with obesity. However, whether body mass index (BMI) is associated with baPWV remains controversial. In our study, body fat-related indicators, including BMI, body fat rate (BFR), body fat volume (BFV), waist circumference (WC) were examined from healthy volunteers. We investigated the correlation of baPWV with these indicators and also assessed whether baPWV has the potential to predict these indicators. Methods A total of 429 healthy participants were enrolled in this study. Body fat indices, blood pressures, baPWV and blood metabolic indices were measured and recorded. The association of baPWV and indices reflecting body fat and blood pressure, as well as mediation effect were analyzed. Results Three different types of baPWV values were significantly correlated. Mean level of baPWV was an independent risk factor for WC, BMI, BFR, and BFV (exp(β) = 1.011, 1.004, 1.010 and 1.009, respectively, P < .001 for all) but not BMR. As for mediation effects, baPWV positively influenced WC (Total effect = 0.011, P < .001), BMI (Total effect = 0.004, P < .001) and BFV (Total effect = 0.009, P < .001) in indirect way mediated by SBP and DBP, while baPWV influenced BFR in both direct (Effect = 0.004, P = .018) and indirect way. Conclusions Levels of baPWV correlated with obesity and is an independent risk factor for WC, BMI, BFR and BFV. Besides, baPWV positively associated with WC, BMI and BFV mainly in indirect way mediated by SBP and DBP, and baPWV associated with BFR in both direct and indirect way.

Sex differences in the risk of arterial stiffness among adults with different glycemic status and modifications by age.

Studies indicate lower, comparable, and higher cardiovascular risks in women vs men in normal glucose regulation (NGR), prediabetes, and diabetes, respectively. However, this sex difference is uncertain and aging might play a part. We aimed to estimate sex differences in arterial stiffness in NGR, prediabetes, or diabetes and the potential modifications by age. We used baseline data of 9618 participants aged ≥40 years in a large community-based cohort study in Shanghai. Glycemic status was determined by history of diabetes, fasting and 2-h post-load glucose levels, and hemoglobin A1c levels. Arterial stiffness was examined by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (ba-PWV). Multivariable linear regression analysis was conducted to examine the associations between sex and ba-PWV levels in glycemic and age categories. Before adjustment for age, women had lower, comparable, and higher ba-PWV vs men in the NGR, prediabetes, and diabetes groups, respectively. In participants aged 40-59 years, women were associated with lower ba-PWV levels in generally all glycemic strata after adjustment for age and other confounders. In participants aged ≥60 years, women were associated with significantly higher ba-PWV levels (β coefficient=71.5; 95% confidence interval=23.4, 119.7) and the sex difference was attenuated in the groups of prediabetes and diabetes with a borderline significant interaction between sex and glycemic status (p for interaction=.068). The sex difference in cardiovascular risks in adults with NGR, prediabetes, or diabetes was dependent on age. Our findings provide new evidence for prioritizing preventive treatment against atherosclerosis in men vs women with different glycemic status.

Association between fibrinogen/albumin ratio and arterial stiffness in patients with type 2 diabetes: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Fibrinogen albumin ratio (FAR) is significantly correlated with the severity and prognosis of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Arterial stiffness is an early lesion of CVD, but no studies have examined the correlation between arterial stiffness and FAR. This study aimed to examine the relationship between FAR and arterial stiffness in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), as measured by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). Methods: In this cross-sectional investigation, patients with T2D were enrolled between January 2021 and April 2022. In each patient, the levels of fibrinogen and albumin in the serum, and baPWV in the serum were measured. A baPWV greater than 1800cm/s was utilized to diagnose arterial stiffness. Results: The study included 413 T2D patients. The mean age of these participants was 52.56 ± 11.53years, 60.8% of them were male, and 18.6% of them had arterial stiffness. There were significant differences in baPWV level and proportion of arterial stiffness (p < .001) between the four subgroups categorized by the FAR quartile. The relationships between the FAR and baPWV and arterial stiffness were significantly favorable in the overall population and subgroups of elderly men and non-elderly men (p < .01), while they were insignificant in subgroups of elderly and non-elderly women (p > .05). To investigate the correlation between the FAR and baPWV, the arterial stiffness and the FAR in male T2D patients, respectively, multivariable logistic regression analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were developed. The lnFAR and lnbaPWV had a significant relationship in the multiple linear regression analysis fully adjusted model. After adjusting for potential covariables, multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that the FAR was independently associated with arterial stiffness [OR (95% CI), 1.075 (1.031-1.120)]. In addition, receiver operating characteristic analysis indicated that the best FAR cutoff value for detecting arterial stiffness in male T2D patients was 76.67mg/g. Conclusion: The level of FAR had an independent and positive correlation with baPWV and arterial stiffness in male patients with T2D, but not in female patients.

Association between zinc deficiency and aorta stiffness in non-diabetic hemodialysis patients.

Zinc deficiency (Zn < 60 μg/dL) is known to play an important role for vascular calcification. However, little data is available regarding the association between zinc deficiency and aorta stiffness in dialysis patients. Thus, we studied the relationship between zinc deficiency and aorta stiffness in non-diabetic hemodialysis (HD) patients. Of 150 patients receiving maintenance HD at our hospital, we included 79 non-diabetic HD patients (age: 70±11 years, 49 men) after excluding 71 diabetic HD patients. Zinc deficiency was defined as Zn <60 μg/dL during pre-HD blood sampling. The association between zinc deficiency and aorta stiffness was analyzed. Aorta stiffness was evaluated as brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). Other surrogate markers for cardiovascular complications were also measured. The zinc deficiency group (ZD group) included 45 patients (57.0%). Compared to the zinc non-deficiency group (ZND group), patients with ZD group were significantly older, higher levels of CRP and hypoalbuminemia. Moreover, they had significantly higher levels of baPWV, and lower levels of ankle-brachial pressure index (ABI) (p<0.05). After adjusting for hypoalbuminemia, and CRP, multivariate analysis showed that age and zinc level were independent predictors of baPWV. The study suggested that zinc deficiency may be an independent risk factor for aorta stiffness, even after adjusting for malnutrition and inflammation.

PS-BPP01-5: ASSOCIATION BETWEEN LENGTH OF DAILY SIESTA AND BRACHIAL-ANKLE PULSE WAVE VELOCITY (BAPWV): A COMMUNITY-BASED CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY IN NORTH CHINA

Background: To date, many studies have proved the association between siesta and cardiovascular events. As the baPWV can assess the degree of atherosclerosis and the arterial stiffness, little is known about the association between siesta and baPWV levels. Thus we used a cross-sectional study to examine the association between siesta and baPWV levels. Methods: The baseline examination of 6,566 participants aged &gt; 35 years included interviews, physical examinations, laboratory tests, and electron beam computed tomography. We compared the baseline data in 3 categories of siesta habits: irregular or no siestas; daily short siestas (1 hour or less); and daily long siestas (&gt; 1 hour). Logistic regression models and multiple linear regression were applied to find the association between siesta and baPWV. Results: Among all participants, the different siesta groups have a significant difference of the prevalence of several AS degrees (P &lt; 0.001). We also found a similar result in male or female (male P &lt; 0.001, female P &lt; 0.001). Daily long siestas had positive associations with prevalence of several cardiovascular risk factors and measures of subclinical atherosclerosis. Results from model3 (fully adjusted model) showed that long siesta (&gt; 60 min, OR = 1.18, 95%CI: 1.06–1.31, P = 0.002) was associated with more severe level of the baPWV. For age or gender stratification, we found significant differences between non-siesta and &gt; 60 min siesta groups from model3. Multiple linear regression analysis showed a positive relationship be¬tween siesta duration and baPWV (b; = 0.197, P = 0.038). Conclusions: Long siesta was associated with increased risk of atherosclerosis. These findings warrant further examination with prospective studies and laboratory investigations.

Higher platelet count, even within normal range, is associated with increased arterial stiffness in young and middle-aged adults.

Background: Platelet counts and mean platelet volume (MPV) are related to cardiovascular disease, but a thorough investigation into the connection between increased arterial stiffness, MPV, and platelet counts is lacking. This study aimed to explore the association of platelet count and MPV with arterial stiffness in young and middle-aged adults.Methods: A total of 2464 participants who underwent health checkups at National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Taiwan from November 2018 to December 2019 were included. We excluded participants aged <18 or >50 years; who are pregnant; on medication for dyslipidemia; with abnormal platelet count, incomplete data, and past history of hematologic disorders. We examined the association of platelet counts and MPV values with brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) levels and increased arterial stiffness.Results: Platelet count was significantly higher in participants with increased arterial stiffness than in those without. The multiple linear regression model revealed that platelet counts were positively associated with baPWV levels (β = 1.88, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.96 to 2.80). In the binary logistic regression analysis, subjects in the higher platelet counts quartiles had a higher risk of developing increased arterial stiffness (Q2 vs. Q1: odds ratio (OR): 1.54, 95% CI: 1.05 to 2.27; Q3 vs. Q1: OR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.06 to 2.33; and Q4 vs. Q1: OR: 2.23, 95% CI: 1.50 to 3.30). In contrast, MPV levels were not associated with arterial stiffness.Conclusions: Platelet count in midlife was positively associated with baPWV levels. Participants in higher platelet quartiles were at risk for increased arterial stiffness.

Effects of ankle-brachial index and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity on all-cause mortality in a community-based elderly population.

BackgroundAnkle-brachial index (ABI) and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) are both important indicators of arterial stiffness and vascular injury. At present, most studies on the relationship between ABI and baPWV and all-cause mortality in community-based elderly are analyzing ABI or baPWV alone, and will focus on a single special population such as diabetes and stroke. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between ABI and baPWV in a Chinese community-based elderly population, and to analyze their impact on all-cause mortality in a community-based population through a follow-up of nearly 10 years.MethodsParticipants were residents of the Wanshou Road community in Beijing, China. A total of 2,162 people in the community were included, with an average age of 71.48 years. During a mean follow-up period of 9.87 years, 1,826 subjects completed follow-up. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and different Cox regression models were used to verify the association of ABI and baPWV with all-cause mortality. The selected subjects were divided into two groups according to ABI and baPWV, and ABI was divided into two groups with 0.90 as the cut-off point (group 1: 0.9 < ABI ≤ 1.3; group 2: ABI ≤ 0.9); according to the level of baPWV, they were divided into three groups (Tertile 1: baPWV <1761.5 cm/s; Tertile 2: 1761.5 ≤ baPWV <2121.5 cm/s; Tertile 3: baPWV ≥2121.5 cm/s).Results1,826 people were included in the statistical analysis, and the total mortality rate was 181.3/1000. The 10-year all-cause mortality rate of the abnormal ABI group (group 2) was 44.7%, and that of the normal ABI group (group 1) was 17.0%; The 10-year all-cause mortality rates from low to high in the baPWV tertile were 10.0%, 18.7%, and 26.4%. In the Cox proportional hazards model, after adjusting for possible confounders, the effect of baPWV on all-cause mortality was significant, with the 3rd tertile having a 1.647-fold higher risk of all-cause mortality than the 1st tertile (P = 0.014 ).ConclusionsABI and baPWV are risk factors affecting all-cause mortality in the elderly community population, and baPWV is an independent predictor of all-cause mortality in the elderly community population.

Association of noise exposure, plasma microRNAs with arterial stiffness among Chinese workers

Long-term noise exposure is reported to damage cardiovascular system, but the relationship between occupational noise exposure and arterial stiffness (AS) and the underlying mechanism is still unclear. We aimed to investigate the association of occupational noise exposure with arterial stiffness (AS), and further explore the mediation roles of microRNAs (miRNAs). A total of 838 workers were recruited from two companies in Wuhan, Hubei, China. Cumulative occupational noise exposure (CNE) was assessed through noise level of job title and work years in occupational noise. The AS for the participants were evaluated using brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) measured by an oscillometric device. Each 1-unit increase in CNE levels was significantly associated with a 0.002 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.001–0.003) unit increase in ln-transformed values of baPWV. In the sex-specific analysis, the association was significant in males (β = 0.002, 95%CI = 0.001–0.003). Meanwhile, the risk of bilateral hearing loss at high frequency was significantly higher in the high-exposed group than non-exposed group (OR = 1.895, 95%CI = 1.024–3.508), and participants with bilateral hearing loss at high frequency had a significantly higher level of ln-transformed baPWV (β = 0.032, 95%CI = 0.003–0.061). Occupational noise exposure and AS were both negatively associated with plasma miR-92a-3p and miR-21–5p, and the two miRNAs mediated 15.0% and 16.8% of the association of occupational noise with AS (P < 0.05). Our findings suggest that occupational noise exposure is positively associated with AS, and plasma miR-92a-3p and miR-21–5p may partly mediate such association.

Systolic Blood Pressure Trajectories and the Progression of Arterial Stiffness in Chinese Adults.

Evidence on the association between systolic blood pressure (SBP) trajectories and arterial stiffness progression is scarce. The current study aimed to identify the association between SBP trajectories and the progression of arterial stiffness over time in Chinese adults. This study included 30,384 adult participants. Latent mixture modeling was used to identify the SBP trajectory patterns from 2006 to 2010. The brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) was used to measure arterial stiffness. The associations between SBP trajectories and the progression of arterial stiffness were explored using multiple linear regression models. We identified five distinct SBP trajectories and took the low-stable group as the reference. In the cross-sectional analysis, the four SBP trajectories were significantly associated with higher baPWV levels (p < 0.001) compared with the reference. In the longitudinal analysis, after adjusting for covariates and the baseline baPWV, the SBP trajectories were significantly associated with the progression of the baPWV, with corresponding β (95% CI) values of 23.3 (17.2–29.5) cm/s per year for the moderate-stable group, 44.8 (36.6–52.9) cm/s per year for the moderate-increasing group, 54.6 (42.2–67.0) cm/s per year for the elevated-decreasing group, and 66.8 (54.7–79.0) cm/s per year for the elevated-stable group. Similar significant results were also observed in the non-hypertensive population. In conclusion, SBP trajectories were related to the baseline baPWV and the progression of the baPWV. Blood pressure control may be considered a therapeutic target to further reduce the risk of arterial stiffness.

EARLY LIFE BLOOD PRESSURE TRAJECTORIES AND SUBCLINICAL VASCULAR DAMAGE IN MIDLIFE: A 30-YEAR PROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY

Objective: To describe the trajectory of BP across a 30-year span and evaluate its association with carotid intima–media thickness (CIMT) and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) by middle age. Design and method: 4623 participants aged 6–18 years, recruited from the ongoing cohort of Hanzhong Adolescent Hypertension study, a total of 2780 subjects were followed up for 6 visits over 30 years, and 1925 participants with complete CIMT and baPWV data were used for final analyses. Systolic and diastolic BP trajectories were identified by latent mixture modeling. Results: We identified 5 distinct systolic BP (SBP) trajectories as: “low-stable” (n = 512, 26.6%), “moderate-stable” (n = 993, 51.6%), “high-stable” (n = 229, 11.9%), “moderate-increasing” (n = 152, 7.9%) and “high-increasing” (n = 39, 2.0%). The levels of CIMT and baPWV were linearly increased from low stable- to high-increasing SBP trajectories. A total of 85 individuals and 425 participants developed high CIMT and high baPWV by 2017, respectively. Compared with the low-stable SBP trajectory group, the high-increasing group had increasingly greater odds of high CIMT by middle age in the full adjustment [OR = 5.04(1.76–14.44)]. Such association was observed in diastolic BP trajectories [OR = 3.61(1.11–11.70)]. Conclusions: BP trajectories derived from childhood to middle age vary, and higher BP trajectories were associated with an increased risk of subclinical vascular damage in middle age. Monitoring trajectories of BP from childhood may help identify a high cardiovascular risk population in early life.

The brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity is a predictive factor for erectile dysfunction in patients with benign prostate hyperplasia

ABSTRACT Introduction Phosphodiesterase (PDE) 5 inhibitors induce relaxation of endothelial cells. Tadalafil, one of PDE 5 inhibitors, has been applied for the treatments of erectile dysfunction (ED) and benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). Under continuous treatments with PDE 5 inhibitor for BPH, it is significant to investigate the relationship between endothelial and sexual functions by comparing the brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV).and the sexual health inventory for men (SHIM) score. Objectives Total 89 BPH patients who consulted our clinic with a complaint of urinary symptoms were enrolled in this prospective study. They were treated with a daily dose of 5mg tadalafil. Methods The Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved this clinical study and informed consents had been obtained from 89 BPH patients. Their vessels endothelial function was assessed by baPWV and erectile function was evaluated by SHIM score. International prostate symptom score (IPSS) was obtained as male lower urinary symptoms (LUTS) parameters. However, we focused on the relationship between vessels endothelial and erectile function in this sub-analysis report. Therefore, the SHIM scores were compared with baPWV and IPSS at 0, 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72 and 84 months after PDE5 inhibitor treatment. Results The mean age of 89 patients was 66.7 +/- 11.1 years old. Their prostate size was 29.8 +/- 21.2 ml. Initial SHIM, baPWV and IPSS score were 7.4 +/- 5.6, 1742.5 +/- 393.0 cm/sec and 17.5+/- 7.5, respectively. Before tadalafil treatment, baPWV and SHIM were significantly correlated (p=0.0025) which indicated patients with low vessels endothelial function vessels endothelial function suffered from erectile dysfunction. F4rthere06re, all the data of baPWV and SHIM including after tadalafil treatment from 3 to 84 months (n=472) were significantly co-related each other (p&amp;lt;0.0001). On the other hand, baPWV were significantly improved from 3 to12 months after tadalafil administration, however baPWV levels returned to the baseline levels after 24 to 84 months. SHIM score was significantly improved from 3 to24 months after tadalafil administration, however SHIM levels returned to the baseline levels after 36 to 84 months. Conclusions Our previous paper (Aging Male 21, 2018) reported that PDE5 inhibitors improved ED, male LUTS and baPWV from 3 to 12 months. The present data also suggested that endothelial function and male LUTS strongly related to ED in BPH patients. However, baPWV and SHM score levels returned to the baseline levels after 24 and 36 months, respectively. Thus, tadalafil can delay vessels endothelial and erectile dysfunction in BPH patients. In addition, erectile dysfunction seems to be occurred after vessels endothelial dysfunction. Hence, baPWV might be a predictive factor for ED in BPH patients with tadalafil treatments. Disclosure Work supported by industry: no.

The association of arterial stiffness with estimated excretion levels of urinary sodium and potassium and their ratio in Chinese adults.

Arterial stiffness is an independent cardiovascular risk factor. However, the association between sodium/potassium intake and arterial stiffness in the Chinese population is unclear. Therefore, we performed a large, community-based cross-sectional study to reach a more definitive conclusion. The study was conducted at the Third Xiangya Hospital in Changsha between August 2017 and September 2019. Urinary sodium, potassium, and creatinine levels were tested from spot urine samples during physical examinations of each recruited participant. The 24-hour estimated urinary sodium excretion (eUNaE) and estimated urinary potassium excretion (eUKE) levels were calculated using the Kawasaki formula (used as a surrogate for intake). The brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and ankle brachial index (ABI) were measured using an automatic waveform analyzer. In 22,557 subjects with an average age of 49.3 ± 10.3 years, the relationships of the ABI and baPWV with the levels of eUNaE, eUKE and the ratio of sodium to potassium (Na/K ratio) were analyzed. A significant negative relationship was found between the eUKE and baPWV levels (β = 2.41, p < 0.01), whereas the Na/K ratio was positively associated with baPWV (β = 2.46, p < 0.01), especially in the overweight and hypertensive populations (both pinteraction = 0.04). The association of eUNaE quartiles with baPWV presented a J-shaped curve after adjusting for confounders. In addition, a positive association was observed between the Na/K ratio and the ABI (β = 0.002, p < 0.01). In this study, high potassium and/or low sodium intake was further confirmed to be related to vascular stiffness in Chinese individuals.

Relationship Between Brachial–Ankle Pulse Wave Velocity and Risk of New-Onset Acute Myocardial Infarction

Abstract Background To investigate the effect of brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) on new-onset acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Methods A retrospective cohort study was performed for the subjects who underwent baPWV examination during the follow-up of Kailuan Study Cohort from 2010 to 2017. The observation subjects were divided into 3 groups based on the levels of baPWV: &amp;lt;14, 14 to &amp;lt;18, and ≥18 m/s. The incidence density of AMI in 3 groups was calculated. Log-rank test was used to compare the differences of cumulative AMI incidence among 3 groups. The influence of baPWV on new-onset AMI was analyzed by Cox proportional risk model and restricted cubic spline. Results A total of 41,405 subjects were included in the study. During 2.66 (1.07–5.39) years’ follow-up, 150 new-onset AMI cases were observed. The incidence density of AMI in 3 groups was 3.69, 12.79, and 26.65 per 10,000 person-years, respectively. Log-rank test result showed the cumulative AMI incidence increased gradually from the subjects with the lowest baPWV to those with the highest baPWV (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Compared with subjects with baPWV &amp;lt;14 m/s, Cox model showed that hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) of AMI in those with baPWV 14 to &amp;lt;18 m/s and baPWV ≥18 m/s were 1.77 (1.04–3.01) and 1.93 (1.03–3.60) after adjusting for age, sex, and other potential confounding factors, respectively. Restricted cubic spline analysis showed that there was a dose–response relationship between the hazard ratio of AMI and baPWV levels. Conclusions The increased baPWV is a risk factor for new-onset AMI.