Associations of Lipid and Adiposity Indices with Vascular Aging Stages in a Multicenter Chinese Population
Sha-Sha Shang1,2, Lei Ruan1,2, Yi Huang1,2
1Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
Insights
Lipid and adiposity measures, particularly waist circumference and waist-hip ratio, are linked to vascular aging stages in the Chinese population. These findings highlight key indicators for predicting cardiovascular health and mortality risk.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Aging Research
- Metabolic Health
Background:
- Vascular aging is a critical predictor of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and all-cause mortality.
- Disturbances in lipid metabolism are known cardiovascular risk factors.
- The association between lipid-adiposity indices and vascular aging stages in the Chinese population requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the distribution of vascular aging stages in Chinese individuals.
- To investigate the relationship between lipid-adiposity-related indices and vascular aging progression.
- To identify key anthropometric and lipid markers associated with vascular aging.
Main Methods:
- A multicenter study included 668 participants examined between June 2023 and February 2025.
- Data collected via questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, and laboratory tests.
- Participants classified into three vascular aging stages; multivariable regression and restricted cubic spline analyses used to assess associations with lipid-adiposity indices and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV).
Main Results:
- Most lipid-adiposity indices showed significant positive associations with baPWV after controlling for confounding factors.
- Waist circumference (WC), A Body Shape Index (ABSI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist-height ratio (WHtR), triglyceride (TG), atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), and lipid accumulation product (LAP) were significantly linked to vascular aging stages.
- Anthropometric indices (WC, ABSI, WHR, WHtR) showed progressive increases across vascular aging stages; no significant nonlinear relationships were observed.
Conclusions:
- Standardized lipid-adiposity-related indices, particularly WC, ABSI, WHR, and WHtR, are independently associated with baPWV and vascular aging stages.
- These findings underscore the importance of monitoring lipid-adiposity profiles for vascular aging assessment.
- The study provides valuable insights into vascular aging markers within the Chinese population.
Objective:
Vascular aging is a significant factor in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and serves as a predictor of all-cause mortality. Although disturbances in lipid metabolism are known risk factors, their links with standardized stages of vascular aging have not been thoroughly assessed in the Chinese population. This multicenter study analyzed the distribution of vascular aging stages in the China Standardized Vascular Aging Management Centers (VMCs). It investigated the relationships between lipid-adiposity-related indices and the progression of vascular aging.
Methods:
A total of 668 participants who underwent examinations at multiple VMCs between June 2023 and February 2025 were included. Baseline data were collected from standardized questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, and laboratory tests. The participants were classified into stage 1 (normal vessels), stage 2 (vascular injury), and stage 3 (vascular aging-related diseases). Multiple linear and logistic regression models were used to assess associations between lipid-adiposity-related indices and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) or vascular aging stages. Restricted cubic spline analyses were used to examine potential nonlinear relationships.
Results:
After controlling for demographic factors, lifestyle behaviors, comorbidities, and medication use, most lipid-adiposity-related indices showed significant positive associations with baPWV. The bilateral baPWV measurements exhibited high consistency. According to the multivariable models, waist circumference (WC), A Body Shape Index (ABSI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist-height ratio (WHtR), triglyceride (TG), atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), and lipid accumulation product (LAP) were significantly linked to vascular aging stages, with several anthropometric indices (WC, ABSI, WHR, WHtR) increasing progressively across stages. No notable nonlinear relationships were observed.
Conclusion:
Standardized lipid-adiposity-related indices, especially WC, ABSI, WHR, and WHtR, were independently linked to baPWV and vascular aging stages.
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