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The association between aortic augmentation index and cardiovascular risk factors in a large unselected population

J H Janner1, N S Godtfredsen, S Ladelund

  • 1Department of Cardiology and Respiratory Medicine, Hvidovre University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark. julie.janner@dadlnet.dk

Journal of Human Hypertension
|June 10, 2011
PubMed

Insights

The augmentation index (AIx), a measure of arterial stiffness, shows varying associations with cardiovascular disease risk factors across different age groups and genders. These links are stronger in younger individuals than in those over 60.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Epidemiology
  • Biomedical Engineering

Background:

  • Systemic arterial stiffness, measured by augmentation index (AIx), is linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors.
  • Limited data exists on age and gender variations in these AIx associations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the consistency of AIx associations with CVD risk factors across different age groups.
  • To determine if these associations differ between men and women.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from 3432 participants in The Copenhagen City Heart Study.
  • Employed non-invasive AIx measurement using the SphygmoCor device.
  • Conducted multiple linear regression analyses stratified by age and gender.

Main Results:

  • Age, heart rate, height, and systolic blood pressure were primary AIx determinants with minor gender differences.
  • In younger subjects, AIx correlated with cholesterol, hs-CRP, smoking, low weight, poor education, and inactivity.
  • In men over 60, AIx was associated with weight and smoking; overall associations attenuated in older adults.

Conclusions:

  • AIx associations with traditional CVD risk factors are modest and diminish significantly in individuals over 60.
  • AIx may serve as a CVD risk marker predominantly in younger populations.
  • Further longitudinal research is warranted to clarify AIx's role in CVD prediction across the lifespan.

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