Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
08:50

Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease

Published on: June 16, 2014

Association between cardio-ankle vascular index and serum cystatin C levels in patients with cardiovascular risk

Keijiro Nakamura1, Takuo Iizuka, Mao Takahashi

  • 1Department of Cardiovascular Center, Sakura Medical Center, School of Medicine, Toho University, Chiba, Japan.

Journal of Atherosclerosis and Thrombosis
|August 13, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Arterial stiffness, measured by CAVI, is closely linked to serum cystatin C levels. This suggests arterial stiffness plays a significant role in patients experiencing renal insufficiency.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Nephrology
  • Biomarkers

Background:

  • Arterial stiffness is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events.
  • Renal insufficiency is associated with increased cardiovascular risk.
  • The relationship between arterial stiffness and renal function markers needs further clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index (CAVI), a measure of arterial stiffness, and serum cystatin C levels.
  • To explore the role of arterial stiffness in the context of renal insufficiency.

Main Methods:

  • 206 patients with cardiovascular risk factors or coronary artery disease (CAD) were enrolled.
  • Measurements included serum cystatin C, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), von Willebrand factor (vWF), plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1), and CAVI.
  • Statistical analyses included univariate and multiple regression.

Main Results:

  • CAVI significantly correlated with cystatin C (r=0.414, p<0.001) and eGFR (r=-0.315, p<0.01).
  • Independent predictors of CAVI included age, cystatin C, PAI-1, and a history of CAD.
  • Age-adjusted CAVI was highest in patients with both CAD and renal impairment.

Conclusions:

  • CAVI is closely associated with serum cystatin C levels.
  • Arterial stiffness appears to play a significant role in renal insufficiency.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers01:19

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers

Cardiac biomarkers are critical in diagnosing, prognosing, and managing cardiovascular diseases. Routine measurement of specific biomarkers such as B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), C-reactive protein (CRP), and homocysteine (Hcy) is common practice in clinical settings to evaluate heart function and predict cardiovascular events.
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT01:25

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT

Calcium-Scoring CT ScanA calcium-scoring CT scan, also known as coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan, detects calcium deposits in the coronary arteries. This test assesses the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to cardiovascular events such as angina, heart failure, and sudden cardiac arrest.A calcium-scoring CT scan is generally recommended for individuals at intermediate risk of CAD without symptoms. It includes:Men aged 40-75 and women aged 50-75: Especially those with a...
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
Assessment of the Cardiovascular System I: Subjective Data01:23

Assessment of the Cardiovascular System I: Subjective Data

A thorough health history and physical assessment are essential for identifying cardiovascular disease (CVD) symptoms and distinguishing them from other health issues.
Initial Enquiry
Ask the patient about their primary concern and thoroughly explore all reported symptoms.
Medical History
Investigate past illnesses affecting the cardiovascular system, such as angina, anemia, rheumatic fever, congenital heart disease, stroke, thrombophlebitis, dysrhythmias, varicosities
Inquire about symptoms...
Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation01:21

Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation

Clinical manifestationsPeripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) manifests through a range of symptoms, from the characteristic intermittent claudication to atypical presentations and severe complications in advanced stages. Intermittent claudication, a hallmark symptom of PAD, presents as exercise-induced muscle pain that typically resolves within minutes of rest. This pain is reproducible and stems from inadequate blood flow, leading to the accumulation of lactic acid produced during anaerobic...
Serum Studies: Renal Function Tests01:24

Serum Studies: Renal Function Tests

Renal function tests are crucial for assessing kidney health, monitoring disease progression, and evaluating the kidneys' efficiency in waste elimination, fluid balance, and electrolyte regulation. These tests offer critical insights into kidney function, even though routine measurements may appear normal until there is a significant decline in the glomerular filtration rate or GFR. Typically, signs of kidney impairment only become evident when the GFR falls to about 50% of its normal level.