Association of Ideal Cardiovascular Health and Brachial–Ankle Pulse Wave Velocity: A Cross-Sectional Study in Northern China

BackgroundBrachial–ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) is an index for evaluating arterial stiffness and is recognized as an independent predictor of an impending cardiovascular event. Limited large-scale population data are available regarding the relationship between baPWV and the change in ideal cardiovascular health (CVH) status, particularly among Asians.MethodsA random sample of 5199 participants (≥40 years of age; 40% women) was enrolled in a cross-sectional study in China to examine the association between ideal CVH and baPWV. Arterial stiffness was defined as a baPWV of 1400 cm/second or higher. Information on CVH was collected based on the American Heart Association's CVH definition by measuring all 7 components (nonsmoking status, body mass index, physical activity, healthy diet, normal total cholesterol, blood pressure, and fasting blood glucose), with 1 or 0 for each component, and a score from 0 to 7 for each participant.ResultsA significant and inverse association was found between the ideal CVH score and baPWV (P < .001). The adjusted odds ratios for arterial stiffness prevalence were .17 (95% confidence interval [CI], .11-.26), .26 (95% CI, .19-.35), .42 (95% CI, .32-.52), .54 (95% CI, .42-.69), and .69 (95% CI, .54-.89) for those with CVH scores of 7-6, 5, 4, 3, and 2, respectively, compared with those with a CVH score of 1-0 (P < .001). Similarly graded relationships were observed in different age and gender subgroups (P < .001).ConclusionThe favorable score of ideal CVH was inversely related to baPWV in Chinese adults, supporting the use of ideal CVH metrics as a useful tool for public health efforts.