Ankle-brachial index and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity are risk factors for ischemic stroke in patients with type 2 diabetes

The incidence of ischemic stroke in patients with diabetes is increasing. While brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity （BaPWV） and ankle-bra- chial index （ABI） are known to be associated with ischemic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, whether these measures predict the risk of ischemic cerebrovascular disease in diabetic patients remains unclear. 117 patients with type 2 diabetes were enrolled in this study. According to the results of head magnetic resonance imaging, the patients were divided into a diabetes-only group （n = 55） and a diabetes and ischemic stroke group （n = 62）. We then performed ABI and BaPWV examinations for all patients. Compared with the diabe- tes-only group, we found decreased ABI and increased BaPWV in the diabetes and ischemic stroke group. Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that BaPWV and ABI were risk factors for ischemic stroke in patients with type 2 diabetes. Our findings indicate that decreased ABI and increased BaPWV are objective indicators of increased risk of ischemic stroke in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Serum Calcium Level is Associated with Brachial-ankle Pulse Wave Velocity in Middle-aged and Elderly Chinese

Objective To study the relation between serum calcium level and elevated BaPWV in Chinese subjects. Methods The relation between serum calcium level and elevated BaPWV was studied in 9 615 subjects. The mean value of left and right BaPWV was analyzed. BaPWV was defined as high when it was31 752.5 cm/s （the upper quartile） either side. Results The BaPWV and its elevated percentage progressively increased across the quartiles of the serum calcium level （P〈0.05）. The prevalence of elevated BaPWV was significantly higher in subjects of the second, third and highest quartiles than in those of the lowest quartile （26.9%, 28.4%, and 33.2%vs 23.7%, P=0.0116, P=0.0004, and P〈0.0001）. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the risk of elevated BaPWV was 1.32- fold higher in subjects of the highest quartile than in those of the lowest quartile （OR=1.32, 95%CI：1.08-1.60）. Conclusion The elevated serum calcium level is related to an elevated BaPWV and a higher risk of arterial stiffness, independent of conventional risk factors, in middle-aged and elderly Chinese subjects.

Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity is an independent predictor of carotid artery atherosclerosis in the elderly

Objective Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity （baPWV） is widely used as a simple noninvasive measure of arterial softness. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of baPWV as a predictor of the carotid artery atherosclerosis in the elderly. Methods A total of 721 elderly participants （mean ~ SD age, 70.3 -4- 5.6years） were enrolled in the current study. All participant underwent both baPWV measurement and B-mode ultrasound for the intima-media thickness. Carotid atherosclerosis （CAS） was defined as the present of carotid plaque or and/or intima media thickness for at least 1.1 mm. Results A multivariate logistic regression analysis reveals that age, sex, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity, smoking and LDL-C level showed a significant correlation with the presence of CAS. The odds ratios of CAS associated with a 500cm/s increase of brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity were 2.378 [95% confidence interval, 1.36 to 4.00, P〈0.05], 3.733 [95% confidence interval, 1.729 to 8.058, P〈0.01], 4.438 [95% confidence interval, 1.659 to 11.803, P〈0.01]. The baPWV significantly correlated with IMT by bivariate correlation analysis （r=-0.39; p=0.001）. After adjusting for factors influencing, baPWV all the same correlated with IMT （r=-0.35; p=0.001）.Conclusion These results indicate that brachial-ankle PWV is an independent predictor of CAS in the elderly.It also means that the direct measurement of arterial stiffness by this simple method may be of great help for the evaluation of carotid artherosclerosis, at least in the elderly

The value of pulse wave velocity in the diagnosis of coronary heart disease

Objective: Using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve to evaluate the value of pulse wave velocity (PWV) in the diagnosis of coronary heart disease (CHD). Methods: By using coronary angiography as golden diagnostic standard of CHD, 218 patients were divided into both CHD group (n=121) and non-CHD group (n = 97). All these patients received PWV test. The efficacy of PWV of each artery segments in the diagnosis of CHD was evaluated by ROC curve. The sensitivity and specificity were calculated with the golden diagnostic standard of CHD. Results:The PWV of right carotid to femoral artery (Rc-f), left carotid to femoral artery (Lc-f), right radial to carotid artery (Rc-r), left radial to carotid artery (Lc-r) in CHD group were significantly higher than that of non-CHD group (9. 31±1. 75 vs 7.60±1.59, P<0. 01; 9. 02±1.71 vs 7. 52±1.50, P<0. 01; 8. 69±1. 37 vs 8. 00±1. 27, P<0. 01; 8.52±1. 03 vs 8. 03±1. 2, P<0. 01 respectively). However, the PWV of both right and left femoral to ankle artery (Rf-a and Lf-a) had no significant differences between the two groups. We then compared the area under curve (AUC) of each ROC(AUCROC) of PWV of Rc-f, Lc-f Rc-r and Lc-r to evaluate their diagnostic efficacy for CHD. We found that AUCROC of Rc-f PWV was the biggest (AUCROC = 0. 818), at the peak point of its ROC curve, the PWV was 8. 32 m/s. PWV>8. 32 m/s of Rc-f could predict the presence of CHD with a sensitivity of 79% and specificity of 77%. Conclusion: The PWV of Rc-f, Lc-f, Rc-r, Lc-r are significantly higher in CHD group than that in non-CHD group, and PWV of Rc-f is the most accurate in the detection of CHD. The PWV>8. 32 m/s of RC-F is a valuable predictor of CHD.

Relationship between brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity and metabolic syndrome components in a Chinese population

The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between arterial stiffness, as measured by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity （baPWV）, and the presence of the metabolic syndrome （MS） in a Chinese population. A total of 4,445 subjects were enrolled. The prevalence of MS in for the general population, males and females, respectively. our study population was 21.7%, 17.2% and 25.6% With adjustments for age, gender, cigarette smoking, heart rate, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein （LDL） cholesterol, and the use of anti-hypertensive drug, the stepwise regression analysis showed that baPWV had a significant relationship with components of MS, including systolic blood pressure （P 〈 0.001）, diastolic blood pressure （P 〈 0.001）, glucose （P 〈 0.001）, highdensity lipoprotein （HDL） cholesterol （P = 0.04）, and triglycerides （P 〈 0.001）, but no relationship with waist circumference （P = 0.25）. With an increase in the number of the MS components, baPWV increased significantly both in women and men. This study indicated that the MS is indeed a risk factor for arterial stiffness. Monitoring of baPWV in patients with MS may help in identifying persons at high risk for cardiovascular disease.

Relationship between the Plasma Fibulin-1 Levels,Pulse Wave Velocity,and Vascular Age in Asymptomatic Hyperuricemia

Fibulin-1(FBLN-1),an elastin-associated extracellular matrix protein,has been found in blood and may play a role in the pathophysiological processes leading to cardiovascular disease(CVD).We aimed to investigate the relationship between fibulin-1 levels and the risk of CVD by evaluating vascular age derived from the Framingham Heart Study and brachial-ankle Pulse Wave Velocity(baPWV)in patients with asymptomatic hyperuricemia(AHU).In total,66 patients with AHU and 66 gender-and age-matched healthy individuals were enrolled.The plasma fibulin-1 levels were measured by immunochemistry.Patients with AHU presented significantly higher vascular age[median(interquartile range):54(22)vs.48(14)years,P=0.01]and baPWV[mean±SD:1373±223 vs.1291±177 cm/s,P=0.02]than the healthy subjects;however,no significant difference was observed in the plasma fibulin-1 level between the patients with AHU and healthy subjects[median(interquartile range):4018(3838)vs.3099(3405)ng/mL,P=0.31].A correlation between fibulin-1 levels and baPWV was observed only in patients with AHU(r=0.29,P=0.02);and there was also a suggestively statistically significant correlation between fibulin-1 levels and vascular age(r=0.22,P=0.08).However,these associations were rendered insignificant after adjustments for potential confounders.In healthy subjects,no correlation was observed between fibulin-1 levels and CVD risk.This study reveals that plasma fibulin-1 levels may reflect the CVD risk in patients with AHU,but the relationship is not robust.

Altered heart rate variability and pulse-wave velocity after spinal cord injury

BACKGROUND Heart rate variability(HRV) and pulse-wave velocity(PWV),indicators of cardiac function,are altered in patients with spinal cord injury(SCI),suggesting that autonomic cardiac function and arterial stiffness may underlie the high risk of cardiovascular complications in these patients.No study has simultaneously investigated HRV and PWV in the same patients.AIM To evaluate cardiovascular complications in SCI patients by comparing HRV and PWV between patients with and without SCI.METHODS In this cross-sectional pilot study,patients with(n = 60) and without SCI(n = 60) were recruited from December 7,2019 to January 21,2020.Each participant received a five-minute assessment of HRV and the cardiovascular system using the Medicore HRV Analyzer SA-3000 P.Differences in HRV and PWV parameters between participants with and without SCI were statistically examined.RESULTS We observed a significant difference between participants with and without SCI with respect to the standard deviation of all normal-to-normal intervals,square root of the mean sum of squared successive risk ratio interval differences,physical stress index,total power,very-low frequency,low frequency,high frequency,and arterial elasticity.CONCLUSION Patients with SCI have weaker sympathetic and parasympathetic activity as well as lower arterial elasticity compared to those without,suggesting that SCI may increase cardiac function loading.

Association of Estimated Pulse Wave Velocity and the Dynamic Changes in Estimated Pulse Wave Velocity with All-Cause Mortality among Middle-Aged and Elderly Chinese

Objective We aimed to clarify the association between estimated pulse wave velocity(ePWV)and the changes in ePWV with all-cause mortality among middle-aged and elderly Chinese.Methods Data were obtained from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study(CHARLS)from 2011-2018.The ePWV was calculated using an equation that included age and mean blood pressure(MBP).The ΔePWV was assessed as the difference in ePWV between the first two waves.Cox proportional hazard models were used to determine the association between ePWV and ΔePWV with all-cause mortality after adjustment for potential confounders.Results Of 13,116 participants during a median follow-up of 7.0 years,1,356 deaths occurred.An increased ePWV was independently associated with all-cause mortality.The hazard ratio[95% confidence interval(CI)]for participants from the 1^(st)-4^(th) quartile groups was 1.00,1.69(1.31-2.18),3.09(2.44-3.91),and 8.54(6.78-10.75),respectively.Each standard deviation(SD)increment of ePWV increased the risk of all-cause mortality by 132%.Furthermore,theΔePWV was significantly associated with a 1.28-fold(95%CI,1.18-1.38)risk of all-cause mortality per SD increment.Conclusion This cohort study provided novel evidence from a Chinese population that an increased ePWV or progression of the ePWV was independently associated with all-cause mortality,which highlighted the importance of mitigating ePWV progression in clinical practice.

Local Pulse Wave Velocity Estimation in the Carotids Using Dynamic MR Sequences

The current study presents a new protocol for local pulse wave velocity (PWV) measurement using dynamic MR sequences, which have a high temporal resolution (TR < 6 ms). MR images were obtained at two positions along the common carotid artery, separated by a distance of 5 cm. In each phase of a MR series, carotid region was automatically extracted and then its area distension waveform could be obtained. Sixteen volunteers with no symptoms of cardiovascular diseases were studied. For local PWV estimation, three delay estimation principles were tested and produced the following values: intersecting tangents method (M1): 4.72 ± 1.40 m/s, second derivative method (M2): 4.94 ± 1.68 m/s and cross-correlation method (M3): 5.03 ± 1.17 m/s. The cross-correlation method showed a relative high reliability as its least standard deviation.

Correlations between ultrasonic pulse wave velocities and rock properties of quartz-mica schist

Physico-mechanical properties are critically important parameters for rocks. This study aims to examine some of the rock properties of quartz-mica schist（QMS） rocks in a cost-effective manner by establishing correlations between non-destructive and destructive tests. Using simple regression analysis, good correlations were obtained between the pulse wave velocities and the properties of QMS rocks. The results were further improved by using multiple regression analysis as compared to those obtained by the simple linear regression analysis. The results were also compared to the ones obtained by other empirical equations available. The general equations encompassing all types of rocks did not give reliable results of rock properties and showed large relative errors, ranging from 23% to 1146%. It is suggested that empirical correlations must be investigated separately for different types of rocks. The general empirical equations should not be used for the design and planning purposes before they are verified at least on one rock sample from the project site, as they may contain large unacceptable errors.

Predictive Value of Carotid-femoral Pulse Wave Velocity for Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events and All-cause Mortality in Different Age Groups of a Chinese Community

Objective:To investigate the predictive value of carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity(cf-Pw)for assessing major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE)and all-cause mortality in different age groups of a Chinese community.Methods:This is an observational study which enrolled 1,325 individuals from a community in Beijing from September 2007 to October 2018.They were classified based on age into<65-year-old(n=572)and≥65-year-old(n=753)groups,and on cf-PWV into cf-PWV<12 m/s(n=501)and cf-PWV≥12 m/s(n=824)group.The incidence rates of MACE and all-cause mortality were recorded for both the groups during the follow-up period of 9.5 years.The predictive value of cf-PWV for MACE and all-cause mortality in the 2 age groups was estimated using the Cox proportional hazards regression models.Results:The baseline cf-PWV showed positive correlation with age(r=0.462,P<0.001).During the follow-up period,191 MACE and 84 all-cause mortality cases were recorded in the study population.The incidence rates of MACE(χ^(2)=27.196,P<0.001)and all-cause mortality(χ^(2)=9.473,P=0.002)were significantly higher in subjects with cf-PWV≥12 m/s than in subjects with cf-PWV<12 m/s.Cox proportional hazards regression model analyses demonstrated that cf-PWV was an independent risk factor in the<65-year-old group for MACE(hazard ratio:1.310;95%confidence interval:1.007-1.560;P=0.038)and all-cause mortality(hazard ratio:1.412;95%confidence interval:1.133-1.936;P=0.005)after adjusting for several risk factors.However,both univariate and multivariate analyses demonstrated that cf-PWV was not an independent risk factor for MACE or all-cause mortality in the≥65-year-old group(P>0.05).Conclusion:cf-PWV,a measure of arterial stifness,emerged as an independent risk factor for MACE and all-cause mortality insubjectsbelow65yearsofage.

Changes in pulse pressure × heart rate, hs-CRP, and arterial stiffness progression in the Chinese general population: a cohort study involving 3978 employees of the Kailuan Company

Background Pulse wave velocity(PWV) is a marker of arterial stiffness, which represents sub-clinical atherosclerosis. Pulsatile stress and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP) are associated with arteriosclerosis. However, there is no prospective data confirming whether changes in pulsatile stress and inflammatory markers affect the progression of arterial stiffness. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships over time between the effects of changes in pulsatile stress and hs-CRP, and arterial stiffness progression during a 2-year follow-up. Methods We performed a longitudinal study involving 3978 participants. All participants underwent a physical examination in 2010–2011 and 2012–2013, during which we measured participants’ hs-CRP levels, brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity(ba PWV), and pulsatile stress. Results Baseline hs-CRP was correlated with ba PWV(r = 0.18, P = 0.000);however the correlation was weaker than that with systolic blood pressure(r = 0.65), pulsatile stress(r = 0.57), and rate-pressure product(r = 0.58). Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that changes in pulsatile stress, mean arterial pressure, and low-density lipoprotein-C(LDL-C) were positively correlated with changes in ba PWV, with correlation coefficients of 0.27, 0.25, and 0.07, respectively, but not with changes in hs-CRP. Moreover, each 100-a U increase in pulsatile stress, 1 mm Hg increase in mean blood pressure, and 1 mmol/L increase in LDL-C was associated with a 3 cm/s, 4.78 cm/s, and 17.37 cm/s increase in ba PWV, respectively. Conclusions Pulsatile stress increases are associated with arterial stiffness progression, but that changes in hs-CRP had no effect on arterial stiffness progression. Hs-CRP may simply be a marker of inflammation in arterial stiffness and has no association with arterial stiffness progression.

估算的脉搏波传导速度对新发糖尿病的影响

目的:探讨估算的脉搏波传导速度(ePWV)对新发糖尿病的影响。方法:以参加2006年7月至2007年10月健康体检、既往无糖尿病病史且资料完整的82 440例开滦集团公司职工为观察队列,平均随访(13.19±3.73)年。将研究人群按ePWV四分位数分为四组:Q_1组(ePWV<12.35 m/s,n=20 610)、Q_(2)组(12.35 m/s≤ePWV<13.74 m/s,n=20 610)、Q_3组(13.74 m/s≤ePWV<15.16 m/s,n=20 611)和Q_4组(ePWV≥15.16 m/s,n=20 609),计算各组糖尿病的发病密度。采用ROC曲线分析ePWV对新发糖尿病的预测价值。在校正传统心血管危险因素(包括性别、吸烟、饮酒、体育锻炼、文化程度、心血管疾病家族史、心肌梗死史、脑卒中史、体重指数、总胆固醇、空腹血糖、血尿酸和高敏C反应蛋白)后,采用多因素Cox回归模型分析ePWV对新发糖尿病的影响。结果:ePWV预测新发糖尿病的ROC曲线的AUC为0.60,最佳截断值为12.78 m/s。随着ePWV四分位数的递增,糖尿病的发病密度呈递增趋势,分别为5.84/千人年、12.04/千人年、15.70/千人年和16.87/千人年。在校正性别、基线空腹血糖、吸烟、饮酒等传统心血管危险因素后,ePWV每增加1 m/s,糖尿病的发生风险增加9%(HR=1.09,95%CI:1.08~1.11,P<0.01)。进一步分析显示,无论有无心血管危险因素、男性还是女性、年龄<51岁还是≥51岁,ePWV均与糖尿病的发生存在显著关联,HR(95%CI)分别为1.07(1.05~1.08)和1.21(1.08~1.36),1.07(1.06~1.09)和1.17(1.15~1.20),1.22(1.19~1.24)和1.06(1.04~1.07)。结论:ePWV对新发糖尿病具有一定的预测价值,是新发糖尿病的独立危险因素。

甘油三酯-葡萄糖乘积指数与动脉硬化进展的回顾性队列研究

目的:胰岛素抵抗(insulin resistance,IR)与动脉硬化和不良心血管病事件均存在密切关联。甘油三酯-葡萄糖(triglyceride-glucose,TyG)指数可作为评估IR的有效指标。本研究旨在探讨Ty G指数与动脉硬化进展风险的关系。方法:本研究为回顾性队列研究。选取2012年1月至2022年12月在中南大学湘雅三医院健康管理医学中心参加健康体检次数≥2且完成动脉硬化检测的成年人作为研究对象,收集其临床资料。TyG指数采用公式ln(甘油三酯×空腹血糖/2)计算。基线TyG指数分别以连续变量和四分位数的分类变量为自变量评价。动脉硬化进展采用臂踝脉搏波传导速度(brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity,baPWV)的年变化速率和新发动脉僵硬度增加为因变量评价。通过线性回归模型和Cox比例风险回归模型,探索TyG指数是否为动脉硬化进展的独立风险因素。根据年龄、性别、体重指数,以及是否合并2型糖尿病、高血压和高脂血症进行亚组分析,以确定TyG指数和动脉硬化进展之间的关联特征。结果:共纳入4971名研究对象,随访时间为(3.01±1.98)年。随访期间,baPWV的年变化速率为(24.94±81.15)cm/s,共计278例为新发动脉僵硬度增加。在全面校正混杂因素后,自变量为连续变量时,基线Ty G指数与baPWV的年变化速率(β=17.5,95%CI 9.00~25.94,P<0.001)和新发动脉僵硬度增加[风险比(hazard ratio,HR)=1.43,95%CI 1.18~1.74,P<0.001]呈独立正相关。自变量为分类变量时,与第1四分位数组相比,第2、3、4四分位数组的baPWV年变化速率依次增加,新发动脉僵硬度增加的风险也依次增高(均P<0.05)。年龄≥45岁、男性、BMI<28 kg/m2、高血压病、无高血压病、无2型糖尿病和无高脂血症亚组中,基线TyG指数(连续和分类变量)与新发动脉僵硬度增加具有明显关联(均P<0.05),各亚组均不存在显著的交互作用(均P>0.05)。结论:TyG指数与动脉硬化进展风险增加独立相关,可用作体检人群动脉硬化进展风险的评估指标。

基于声辐射力脉冲成像的诊断模型对胆道闭锁患儿肝纤维化的应用价值

目的分析基于声辐射力脉冲成像(ARFI)定量参数建立的无创诊断模型对胆道闭锁患儿肝纤维化的诊断价值。方法回顾性收集100例接受ARFI检查并行肝门-空肠吻合术(Kasai’s)治疗及肝组织活检的胆道闭锁患儿,男42例,女58例,平均年龄(68.79±8.79)d。根据活检病理结果分为肝纤维化组(71例)和非肝纤维化组(29例)。依据Metavir分级标准将肝纤维化分为5级:F0(29例)、F1(31例)、F2(24例)、F3(11例)、F4(5例)。2组临床资料和ARFI定量参数的比较采用t检验或χ^(2)检验;采用单因素方差分析比较肝纤维化不同分级间的剪切波速度(SWV)。采用多因素Logistic回归分析影响胆道闭锁患儿发生肝纤维化的独立危险因素,并构建基于ARFI定量参数的无创诊断模型。采用受试者操作特征(ROC)曲线评价模型的诊断效能,计算其曲线下面积(AUC)。结果肝纤维化组血清中性粒细胞(NEUT)、总胆红素(TBIL)、层黏蛋白(LN)、透明质酸(HA)、Ⅲ型前胶原(PCⅢ)、Ⅳ型胶原(Ⅳ-Col)浓度,以及SWV均高于非肝纤维化组(均P<0.05)。多因素Logistic回归分析结果显示,SWV、血清TBIL及LN、HA、PCⅢ、Ⅳ-Col浓度高是影响胆道闭锁患儿发生肝纤维化的危险因素(均P<0.05)。基于SWV的无创诊断模型诊断胆道闭锁患儿发生肝纤维化的最佳临界值为1.75 m/s,敏感度、特异度、准确度、阳性预测值、AUC分别为93.15%、70.09%、90.25%、88.80%、0.922。结论基于ARFI定量参数建立的无创诊断模型,可较为准确地诊断出胆道闭锁患儿是否存在肝纤维化,且具有较高的应用价值。

Increased brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity is associated with impaired endothelial function in patients with coronary artery disease

Background Pulse wave velocity and flow-mediated vasodilation （FMD） are widely used as noninvasive modalities for evaluating atherosclerosis. However, it is not known whether pulse wave velocity is related to FMD in patients with coronary artery disease （CAD）. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the alteration in brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity （baPWV） and endothelial function in CAD patients. Methods Thirty-three patients with CAD and thirty control subjects were recruited for this study, baPWV was measured non-invasively using a VP 1000 automated PWV/ABI analyzer （PWV/ABI, Colin Co. Ltd., Komaki, Japan）. Endothelial function as reflected by FMD in the brachial artery was assessed with a high-resolution ultrasound device. Results baPWV was increased in CAD patients compared with control subjects [（1756.1±253.1） cm/s vs （1495.3±202.3） cm/s, P〈0.01]. FMD was significantly reduced in CAD patients compared with control subjects [（5.2±2.1） % vs （11.1±4.4） %, P〈0.01]. baPWV correlated with FMD （r =-0.68, P〈0.001）. The endothelium-independent vasodilation induced by sublingual nitroglycerin in the brachial artery was similar in the CAD group compared with the control group.Conclusions CAD is associated with increased baPWV and endothelial dysfunction. Increased baPWV parallels diminished endothelial function. Our data therefore suggest that baPWV can be used as a noninvasive surrogate index in clinical evaluation of endothelial function.

Reference values of brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity for Northern Chinese

Background Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity （baPWV） is a reliable method for measuring arterial elasticity, but the absence of reference value for baPWV has limited its wide use. We conducted an epidemical study in north China to investigate the reference value of baPWV for Chinese people and its influential factors. Methods A total of 974 identified healthy subjects were recruited in this study. The values of baPWV were evaluated noninvasively with an automatic device. Results For healthy population, the mean value of baPWV was higher for male （P 〈0.001）. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that both age and systolic blood pressure were positively associated with baPWV for male and female （P 〈0.001）. BaPWV value was higher in male than in female in younger group （〈50 years） but not in older group （P〈-0.001）. The upper limits of baPWV were 1394/1264 cm/s, 1435/1361 cm/s, 1552/1433 cm/s, 1597/1609 cm/s and 1798/1915 cm/s for healthy male/female at 10 years interval （age range 20-70 years）. Conclusions Aging is the most important reason of arterial stiffness, but the effect of age on baPWV augmentation is greater for healthy female than their male counterpart. The reference values of baPWV by sex and age are very useful for clinical and preventive medicine.

Can we early diagnose metabolic syndrome using brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity in community population？

Background The prevalence of metabolic syndrome （MetS） increased recently and there was still not a screening index to predict MetS.The aim of this study was to estimate whether brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity （baPVVV）,a novel marker for systemic arterial stiffness,could predict MetS in Chinese community population.Methods A total of 2 191 participants were recruited and underwent medical examination including 1 455 men and 756 women from June 2011 to January 2012.MetS was diagnosed according to the criteria of the International Diabetes Federation （IDF）.Multiple Logistic regressions were conducted to explore the risk factors of MetS.Receiver operating characteristic （ROC） curve was performed to estimate the ideal diagnostic cutoff point of baPWV to predict MetS.Results The mean age was （45.35±8.27） years old.In multiple Logistic regression analysis,the gender,baPWV and smoking status were risk factors to MetS after adjusting age,gender,baPWV,walk time and sleeping time.The prevalence of MetS was 17.48% in 30-year age population in Shanghai.There were significant differences （Х^2=96.46,P 〈0.05） between male and female participants on MetS prevalence.According to the ROC analyses,the ideal cutoff point of baPWV was 1 358.50 cm/s （AUC=60.20%） to predict MetS among male group and 1 350.00 cm/s （AUC=70.90%） among female group.Conclusion BaPWV may be considered as a screening marker to predict MetS in community Chinese population and the diagnostic value of 1 350.00 cm/s was more significant for the female group.

Relationship between Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and Pulse Wave Velocity in Young Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Background： The incidence of atherosclerosis-related myocardial infarction can be as much as 50-fold greater in young patients with systemic lupus e~,thematosus （SLE） than in age-matched controls. There are several explanations for this phenomenon, all of which result in a chronic state of low-grade inflammation. Recently, the neutrophil-to-lynlphocyte ratio （NLR） has been proposed as a useliil biomarker of inflammation. Pulse wave velocity （PWV） is a reliable indicator of vascular damage and atherosclerosis. There is a paucity of data concerning the relationship between NLR and atherosclerosis as measured by PWV in patients with SLE. This study aimed to verify whether there is a positive correlation between NLR and PWV and to explore factors that influence PWV in young SLE patients. Methods： A total of 90 female patients with SLE were enrolled in this cross-sectional investigation. Traditional and nontraditional cardiovascular risk factors were assessed on the same day that brachial-ankle PWV （baPWV） was examined. The patients were divided into three groups according to their mean baPWV values： patients whose mean baPWV value was lower than the first tertile were placed in Group 1 ： patients whose mean baPWV value was between the first tertile and the second tertile were placed in Group 2： and patients whose mean baPWV value was higher than the second tertile were placed in Group 3. SPSS 20.0 was used to perform all statistical analyses in this study. Both univariate linear regression and multivariate regression models were utilized to analyze the association between NLR and arterial stiffness. Results： Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood presstire （DBP）. and triglycerides were all significantly different among Groups 1,2, and 3 （ 111.90 ± 12.85 mmHg vs. 114.60 ± 12.88 mmHg vs. 129.43 ±16.21 mmHg, P 〈 0.001 ： 68.77 ± 8.63 mmHg vs. 71.87 ± 9.77 mmHg vs. 82.57 ± 14.89 mmHg, P 〈 0.001 ; and 1.44 [0.91-2.47] mmol/L vs. 0.98 [0.78-1.26] mmol/L vs. 2.20 [0.94-3.66] mmol/L P = 0.030： respectively）, as were creatinine （57.50 [52.00-69.00] mmol/L vs. 55.50 [49.00-64.00] mmol/L vs. 64.00 [56.00-86.00] mmol/L P = 0.045） and blood urea nitrogen （4.27 [3.79-6.22] mmol/L vs. 4.16 [3.47-4.84] mmol/L vs. 5.88 [4.04-8.19] mmol/L, P = 0.011 ）. NLRs were significantly different among Groups 1, 2, and 3 （2.16 [1.56-3.42] vs. 3.12 [1.91-4.19] vs. 5.29 [2.63-7.25], P = 0.001）. N LR, together with DBP and the SLE disease activity index, independently predicts PWV. Conclusions： This study demonstrated that there was a positive correlation between NLR and PWV. Moreover, we found that disease activity and DBP were also positively correlated with PWV.

Association of hemoglobin with arterial stiffness evaluated by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity among Chinese adults

Objective: Increased hemoglobin (Hb) levels are known to be associated with increased cardiovascular events and mortalities. Therefore, we assumed that high Hb levels were associated with arterial stiffness. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a simple and noninvasive method for measuring arterial stiffness to assess cardiovascular disease in general populations. Accordingly, we conducted a cross-sectional study to explore the association of Hb with PWV. Methods: A total of 6642 adults aged 54.5 ± 11.2 years undergoing physical examinations were enrolled, 71.7% of whom were males. Arterial stiffness was evaluated by carotid-femoral PWV (cfPWV). Multivariable regression analyses were performed to determine the relationship between Hb and increased cfPWV. Results: In this study, the mean Hb (per 10 g/L increase) was 144.7 ± 13.9 g/L, and the mean cfPWV was 15.1 ± 3.1 m/s. cfPWV was significantly higher in high hemoglobin groups >15.4 g/L (Quartile 4) than in the lowest hemoglobin group (Quartile 1 < 13.6 g/L;P < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that Hb positively correlated with cfPWV (β= 0.16, P < 0.01). Univariate Logistic regression analysis revealed that Hb was associated with increased cfPWV, with an odd ratio (OR) of 1.46 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.39-1.54). After adjusting for potential confounders, Hb and the highest Hb quartile group were also independently associated with increased cfPWV, with a fully adjusted OR of 1.11 (95% CI, 1.02-1.20) and 1.45 (95% CI, 1.01-2.08), respectively. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that Hb levels significantly correlate with increased cfPWV.