Longitudinal association between cardiovascular health and arterial stiffness in the Chinese adult population

OBJECTIVE: Arterial stiffness may be an intermediary biological pathway involved in the association between cardiovascular health (CVH) and cardiovascular disease. We aimed to evaluate the effect of CVH on progression of brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) over approximately 4 years. METHODS: We included 1315 cardiovascular disease-free adults (49±12 years) who had two checkups from 2010 to 2019. CVH metrics (current smoking, body mass index, total cholesterol, blood pressure, and fasting plasma glucose) were assessed at baseline, and the number of ideal CVH metrics and CVH score were calculated. Additionally, baPWV was examined at baseline and follow-up. RESULTS: Median baPWV increased from 1340 cm/s to 1400 cm/s, with an average annual change in baPWV of 15 cm/s. More ideal CVH metrics and a higher CVH score were associated with lower baseline and follow-up baPWV, and the annual change in baPWV, even after adjustment for confounding variables. Associations between CVH parameters and baseline and follow-up baPWV remained robust in different sex and age subgroups, but they were only able to predict the annual change in baPWV in men and individuals older than 50 years. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight the benefit of a better baseline CVH profile for progression of arterial stiffness.