Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 26, 2026
08:43
Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Imaging of Aortic Calcification and Inflammation
Published on: May 31, 2016
Aortic Calcification and Pulse Wave Velocity Remain Associated after Adjustment for Kidney Function and Covariates
Jakob Nyvad1,2, Kent Lodberg Christensen2, Gratien Andersen3
1Department of Renal Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
Pulse (Basel, Switzerland)
|May 25, 2026
Summary
Aortic calcification and age, but not kidney function, are linked to arterial stiffness (cfPWV). Aortic calcification accounts for 30% of cfPWV variation, highlighting its role in arterial stiffness.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Nephrology
- Radiology
Background:
- Arterial stiffness, assessed by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), is increased by aortic wall calcification.
- The influence of kidney function on the calcification-stiffness relationship is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between aortic calcification and cfPWV across the spectrum of kidney function.
- To determine the impact of chronic kidney disease (CKD) on this relationship.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study including CKD patients (eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m²) and those with normal renal function.
- Aortic calcification quantified using Agatston scoring from non-contrast computed tomography.
- Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and biochemical markers were measured.
Main Results:
- Aortic Agatston score was significantly associated with cfPWV (p < 0.001) in univariate analysis.
- Age and diabetes were also associated with cfPWV, while eGFR was not a significant independent factor in multiple regression.
- Aortic calcification (Agatston score) explained 30% of the variation in cfPWV in the final model.
Conclusions:
- Aortic calcification, age, and diabetes are independently associated with arterial stiffness (cfPWV) across varying levels of kidney function.
- Despite significant associations, a substantial portion of cfPWV variation remains unexplained by the studied factors.
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