The relationship between a body shape index and abdominal aortic calcification: a population-based study

Abdominal Aortic Calcification (AAC) is closely associated with visceral adiposity. The authors aimed to investigate the relationship between a Body Shape Index (ABSI) and AAC.

Data were obtained from the 2013‒2014 cycle of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Weighted multivariable regression, tests for trends, subgroup analysis, and smooth curves were used to explore the association between ABSI and AAC scores, as well as Severe Abdominal Aortic Calcification (SAAC). Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to compare the predictive abilities of ABSI, Weight-adjusted Waist Index (WWI), Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR), and Waist Circumference (WC) for AAC and SAAC.

A total of 2741 individuals were included in the present study. The weighted incidence of AAC was 29.12%, and SAAC was 7.94%. After fully adjusting for covariates, each one-unit increase in ABSI was associated with a 0.42-point increase in the AAC score (95% CI: 0.29, 0.63), and the risk of SAAC increased by 37% (95% CI: 1.12, 1.77). Smooth curves showed a nonlinear positive correlation between ABSI and AAC scores, as well as SAAC. No dependence was observed in the subgroup analysis. ROC analysis showed that ABSI was a stronger predictor than WWI, BMI, WHtR, and WC.

ABSI has a positive correlation with AAC scores and SAAC. However, prospective studies are required to validate the present results.