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Hyperglycemia and arterial stiffness: the Atherosclerosis Risk in the Communities study

Jonathan Rubin1, Vijay Nambi, Lloyd E Chambless

  • 1Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA. jrubink1@jhmi.edu

Atherosclerosis
|October 4, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Elevated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is linked to increased arterial stiffness, independent of atherosclerosis. This suggests hyperglycemia directly impacts arterial wall material, contributing to cardiovascular risk.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Science
  • Endocrinology
  • Vascular Biology

Background:

  • Hyperglycemia is a known risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
  • While linked to atherosclerosis, its independent role in arterial stiffness is less understood.
  • Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is a key indicator of long-term glycemic control.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the independent association between HbA1c and arterial stiffness.
  • To assess the relationship between HbA1c and two specific measures of arterial stiffness: pressure-strain elastic modulus (Ep) and Young's elastic modulus (YEM).

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional analysis of 9050 participants from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study.
  • Utilized B-mode ultrasound of the carotid artery to assess arterial stiffness.
  • Employed multivariable linear and logistic regression models, adjusting for traditional cardiovascular risk factors.

Main Results:

  • Higher HbA1c values showed a graded association with increased arterial stiffness (P-trend < 0.001 for both Ep and YEM).
  • After risk factor adjustment, higher HbA1c deciles were significantly associated with elevated Ep (OR=2.01) and YEM (OR=1.71).

Conclusions:

  • Elevated HbA1c is independently associated with increased arterial stiffness, even when arterial wall thickness is considered.
  • Findings support the hypothesis that hyperglycemia contributes to arterial stiffness beyond atherosis.
  • Suggests hyperglycemia alters the arterial wall's material properties, impacting vascular health.
Abstract

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