Sex-specific association between carotid atherosclerosis and fundus arteriosclerosis in a Chinese population: a retrospective cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: Vascular stiffening is highly predictive of major adverse cardiovascular events. It is not clear whether microangiopathy, such as fundus arteriosclerosis, is related to carotid atherosclerosis. Hence, this study was designed to investigate the relationship between carotid atherosclerosis and fundus arteriosclerosis among individuals of different sexes in the Chinese health-examination population. METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional study involved 20,836 participants, including 13050 males and 7786 females. All participants underwent a detailed health examination, including medical history assessment, physical examination, assessment of lifestyle factors, fundus photography, Doppler ultrasound examination of the neck, and laboratory examinations. Two trained ophthalmologists analysed fundus arteriosclerosis based on fundus photographs, while carotid atherosclerosis was diagnosed using colour Doppler sonography of the neck. Binary logistic regression was used to analyse the relationship between carotid atherosclerosis and fundus arteriosclerosis. RESULTS: In participants with fundus arteriosclerosis, the incidence of carotid atherosclerosis was higher than that of participants without fundus arteriosclerosis (52.94% vs. 47.06%). After adjustments for potential confounding factors, fundus arteriosclerosis was significantly associated with the risk of carotid atherosclerosis. The OR with 95% CI for fundus arteriosclerosis was 1.17 (1.02, 1.34) with p = 0.0262, and individuals who did not have fundus arteriosclerosis were used as a reference in the total population. Fundus arteriosclerosis was associated with the incidence of carotid atherosclerosis in males (p = 0.0005) but not in females (p = 0.0746). CONCLUSIONS: Fundus arteriosclerosis was closely associated with carotid atherosclerosis in the Chinese population. This association was found in males but not in females.

Association between total bilirubin and gender-specific incidence of fundus arteriosclerosis in a Chinese population: a retrospective cohort study.

To investigate the gender-specific relationship between total bilirubin (TBIL) and fundus arteriosclerosis in the general population, and to explore whether there is a dose-response relationship between them. In a retrospective cohort study, 27,477 participants were enrolled from 2006 to 2019. The TBIL was divided into four groups according to the quartile. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate the HRs with 95% CIs of different TBIL level and fundus arteriosclerosis in men and women. The dose-response relationship between TBIL and fundus arteriosclerosis was estimated using restricted cubic splines method. In males, after adjusting for potential confounders, the Q2 to Q4 level of TBIL were significantly associated with the risk of fundus arteriosclerosis. The HRs with 95% CIs were 1.217 (1.095-1.354), 1.255 (1.128-1.396) and 1.396 (1.254-1.555), respectively. For females, TBIL level was not associated with the incidence of fundus arteriosclerosis. In addition, a linear relationship between TBIL and fundus arteriosclerosis in both genders (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.0047, respectively). In conclusion, the incidence of fundus arteriosclerosis is positively correlated with serum TBIL level in males, but not in females. In addition, there was a linear dose-response relationship between TBIL and incidence of fundus arteriosclerosis.

Reference distributions of aortic calcification and association with Framingham risk score.

Evidence supporting aortic calcification as a leverageable cardiovascular risk factor is rapidly growing. Given aortic calcification's potential as a clinical correlate, we assessed granular vertebral-indexed calcification measurements of the abdominal aorta in a well curated reference population. We evaluated the relationship of aortic calcification measurements with Framingham risk scores. After exclusion, 4073 participants from the Reference Analytic Morphomic Population with varying vertebral levels were included. The percent of the aortic wall calcified was used to assess calcification burden at the L1-L4 levels. Descriptive statistics of participants, sex-specific vertebral indexed calcification measurements, relational plots, and relevant associations are reported. Mean aortic attenuation was higher in female than male participants. Overall, mean aortic calcium was higher with reference to inferior abdominal aortic measurements and demonstrated significant differences across all abdominal levels [L3 Area (mm[Formula: see text]): Females 6.34 (sd 16.60), Males 6.23 (sd 17.21); L3 Volume (mm[Formula: see text]): Females 178.90 (sd 474.19), Males 195.80 (sd 547.36); Wall Calcification (%): Females (L4) 6.97 (sd 16.03), Males (L3) 5.46 (13.80)]. Participants with elevated calcification had significantly higher Framingham risk scores compared to participants with normal calcification scores. Opportunistically measuring aortic calcification may inform further cardiovascular risk assessment and enhance cardiovascular event surveillance efforts.

Association of Urinary Lead and Cadmium Levels, and Serum Lipids with Subclinical Arteriosclerosis: Evidence from Taiwan.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to lead and cadmium has been linked to changes in lipid metabolism and the development of arteriosclerosis, but the role of lipoprotein profiles in this relationship is not well understood, including the potential role of novel lipid biomarkers. METHODS: In this study, we enrolled 736 young Taiwanese subjects aged 12 to 30 years to assess the correlation between urine levels of lead and cadmium, lipoprotein profiles, and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT). RESULTS: Higher levels of lead and cadmium were significantly associated with higher levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), small dense LDL-C (sdLDL-C), LDL-triglyceride (LDL-TG), and CIMT. Participants with higher levels of lead and cadmium had the highest mean values of CIMT, LDL-C, sdLDL-C, and LDL-TG. In a structural equation model, lead had a direct and indirect association with CIMT through LDL-C and sdLDL-C, whereas cadmium had a direct association with CIMT and an indirect association through LDL-C. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest higher levels of lead and cadmium are associated with abnormal lipid profiles and increased CIMT. These heavy metals could have additive effects on lipids and CIMT, and the relationship between them may be mediated by lipoprotein levels. Further research is needed to determine the causal relationship.

Clinical, laboratory and ultrasonographic risk factors for uterine artery arteriosclerosis: Insights for uterus transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: To assess uterine artery arteriosclerosis prevalence in women undergoing total hysterectomy for benign diseases, and any associations between clinical, laboratory, and ultrasound factors and uterine artery arteriosclerosis occurrence. METHODS: A single center, observational, prospective, cohort study was performed enrolling all symptomatic patients scheduled for total hysterectomy from May to December 2021. Our outcomes were: uterine artery arteriosclerosis prevalence and the difference in clinical, laboratory, and ultrasonographic factors between patients with and without uterine artery arteriosclerosis. RESULTS: Forty women were included. Uterine artery arteriosclerosis prevalence was 70%. Body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.04) and triglycerides (P = 0.04) were significantly higher in patients with uterine artery arteriosclerosis than in patients without; while high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (P = 0.02) was significantly lower. Uterine arteries with arteriosclerosis showed higher peak systolic velocity (PSV) values compared with vessels without arteriosclerosis (P = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Uterine artery arteriosclerosis shows a high prevalence in women undergoing total hysterectomy for benign diseases. Higher BMI, serum triglycerides, and PSV, and lower serum HDL appear as risk factors for uterine artery arteriosclerosis.

Mönckeberg's medial arteriosclerosis in the oral and maxillofacial region: A pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of medial vascular calcifications in the oral and maxillofacial region and their association with systemic diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 211 consecutive patients with systemic diseases (January 2015-May 2016). Medical history and radiographic images were evaluated. Univariate analysis (t-test) was performed for continuous variables (age). The Chi square test was applied for the categorical variables (Mönckeberg medial arteriosclerosis [MMA], gender). RESULTS: There was a 6.2% prevalence of MMA. The mean age of patients with MMA was 65.46 ± 13.38. The prevalence of kidney disease in patients with MMA was significantly higher than in those without MMA (p < 0.001). This finding was maintained even after adjusting for other systemic diseases (OR = 31.84 [8.63-136.78]). CONCLUSION: A significant prevalence of MMA in kidney disease patients was observed in this pilot study.

Sedentary behavior is associated with arteriosclerosis in frail older adults.

This prospective, cross-sectional, cohort observational study was conducted to evaluate the associations between sedentary behavior and arteriosclerosis-related vascular issues in community-dwelling frail older adults. We included 116 Japanese community-dwelling older adults (92 females and 24 males) who availed daycare at two long-term care insurance facilities in the cities of Yokkaichi and Handa between 2017 and 2019. An unpaired t-test and the chi-square test were used for intergroup comparisons. Logistic regression analysis was conducted with cardio-ankle vascular index as the dependent variable, sedentary behavior as the explanatory variable, and the other evaluated factors as covariates. Long-time sedentary behavior (based on the median value for all participants) was associated with high cardio-ankle vascular index after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, ankle-brachial index, and walking MET-minutes in 1 week (odds ratio 3.086, 95% confidence interval 1.275-7.467, p=0.012). After adjusting for other variables (care needs certificate, skeletal muscle mass index, body fat percentage, grip strength, 4-m walking duration, etc), there was a significant association between long-time sedentary behavior and high cardio-ankle vascular index values (odds ratio 4.977, 95% confidence interval 1.497-16.554, p=0.009). The results study confirmed an association between long-time sedentary behavior in frail older adults and the degree of arterial stiffness assessed by the cardio-ankle vascular index. Interventions in older adults that focus on daily sedentary time to prevent the onset and exacerbation of geriatric syndromes secondary to the progression of arteriosclerosis warrant further investigation.

The Severity of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Increases the Risk of Arteriosclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disorder worldwide. It is associated with myocardial remodeling and arteriosclerosis in patients with hypertension. Our study investigated the relationship between OSA severity and arteriosclerosis and blood pressure in an Asian population. METHODS: We enrolled 365 subjects from July 2018 to December 2020 at Ruijin Hospital. We recorded data from the medical history and collected blood samples from all participants. We performed 24-hour ambulatory Blood Pressure (BP) monitoring and Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV) measurements. Overnight polysomnography (PSG) was performed using Respironics Alice PDxSleepware. RESULTS: PSG was performed in a total of 365 subjects; mean age of 49.1 ± 12.8 years and Body Mass Index (BMI) 28.1 ± 3.8 kg/m2. The majority (89.3%) were male. The office systolic BP was significantly higher in the moderate to severe group than mild OSA group (148 ± 21 mmHg vs 139 ± 19 mmHg, p < 0.01). The subjects with moderate to severe OSA presented higher cf-PWV values than those in the mild group (10.03 ± 3.67 m/s vs 7.62 ± 1.48 m/s, p < 0.01). BMI was significantly higher in the moderate to severe than the mild OSA groups (28.3 ± 4.0 kg/m2 vs 27.5 ± 3.2 kg/m2, p < 0.05). The Pearson correlation showed that the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was significantly and positively correlated with cf-PWV (r = 0.217, p < 0.01), Age (r = 0.148, p < 0.01), BMI (r = 0.228, p < 0.01) and HbA1c (r = 0.172, p < 0.01). After adjusting for age, BMI, low density lipoprotein cholesterin (LDL-c), FGB, AHI, estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR), Night BP, office diastolic BP and Day BP in Logistic regression model, AHI (OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01-1.05) and office diastolic pressure (OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.00-1.08) and age (OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.06-1.19) were independent risk factors for arteriosclerosis. CONCLUSIONS: The severity of OSA was positively correlated with pulse wave velocity. AHI, office BP and age were independent risk factors for arteriosclerosis.

Association between Arteriosclerosis and Uncontrolled Blood Pressure in Patients with Essential Hypertension: Cross-Sectional Observational Study Results of the BEST Study.

Whether arteriosclerosis can influence the hypertension control remains incompletely understood. We hypothesized that higher arteriosclerosis may be associated with uncontrolled hypertension. Arteriosclerosis was assessed by carotid femoral artery pulse wave velocity (CF-PWV) and uncontrolled hypertension (systolic blood pressure [BP] ≥130 mm Hg or diastolic BP ≥80 mm Hg). The multivariable-adjusted logistic regression was used for analysis. A total of 1,428 patients with essential hypertension (mean age 68 years, 49.6% male) were enrolled into the study from 2010 to 2017. The BP was uncontrolled in 50.7% of the participants and the mean level of CF-PWV was 12.3 m/s. All the cardiovascular risk factors were worse and CF-PWV was higher in patients with uncontrolled hypertension (all p < 0.05). Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression analysis showed that CF-PWV as a continuous variable (odd ratio [OR] 1.093, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.046-1.142) was independently associated with uncontrolled hypertension, after male (OR 1.511) and total cholesterol (OR 1.167), followed by body mass index (OR 1.092), fasting plasma glucose (OR 1.075), and creatinine (OR 1.010) (all p < 0.05). As a binary variable, CF-PWV >12 m/s was also independently associated with uncontrolled hypertension (OR 1.690, 95% CI 1.320-2.164, p < 0.05). Arteriosclerosis is independently associated with uncontrolled BP in patients with hypertension.

Serum Uric Acid Levels and Nephrosclerosis in a Population-Based Autopsy Study: The Hisayama Study.

INTRODUCTION: Information regarding the influence of serum uric acid (SUA) levels on pathological changes in the kidney is limited. In this study, we examined the association between SUA levels and pathological findings of nephrosclerosis in population-based autopsy samples. METHODS: A total of 923 deceased individuals in a Japanese community underwent autopsy examinations between 1974 and 1994. Of these, 547 individuals with available kidney tissues and health examination data within a median of 3 years before death were eligible for the present study. SUA levels were categorized into quintiles (Q1, 107-237; Q2, 238-279; Q3, 280-326; Q4, 327-380; Q5, 381-755 µmol/L). Advanced degrees of glomerular sclerosis, kidney arteriolar hyalinosis, and kidney arteriosclerosis were defined as the 90th percentile or more of a glomerular sclerosis index and an arteriolar hyalinosis index, and the 10th percentile or less of a wall-lumen ratio, respectively. A logistic regression model was used to evaluate odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of SUA levels on each kidney lesion. RESULTS: Higher SUA levels were significantly associated with higher values of the age- and sex-adjusted glomerular sclerosis index and lower values of the wall-lumen ratio (both p for trend <0.01). Individuals in the Q5 group had a significantly greater likelihood of advanced glomerular sclerosis (OR 7.19, 95% CI 2.42-21.38) and advanced kidney arteriosclerosis (OR 5.28, 95% CI 1.77-15.80) than individuals in the Q1 group after adjusting for potential covariates. There was no evidence of significant associations of SUA levels with either the arteriolar hyalinosis index or the presence of advanced arteriolar hyalinosis. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated SUA levels were significantly associated with advanced glomerular sclerosis and advanced kidney arteriosclerosis, but not with advanced arteriolar hyalinosis in community-based autopsy samples of Japanese.

Blood Pressure and Arterial Stiffness in Association With Aircraft Noise Exposure:Long-Term Observation and Potential Effect of COVID-19 Lockdown.

In a cross-sectional analysis of a case-control study in 2015, we revealed the association between increased arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity) and aircraft noise exposure. In June 2020, we evaluated the long-term effects, and the impact of a sudden decline in noise exposure during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown, on blood pressure and pulse wave velocity, comparing 74 participants exposed to long-term day-evening-night aircraft noise level >60 dB and 75 unexposed individuals. During the 5-year follow-up, the prevalence of hypertension increased in the exposed (42% versus 59%, P=0.048) but not in the unexposed group. The decline in noise exposure since April 2020 was accompanied with a significant decrease of noise annoyance, 24-hour systolic (121.2 versus 117.9 mm Hg; P=0.034) and diastolic (75.1 versus 72.0 mm Hg; P=0.003) blood pressure, and pulse wave velocity (10.2 versus 8.8 m/s; P=0.001) in the exposed group. Less profound decreases of these parameters were noticed in the unexposed group. Significant between group differences were observed for declines in office and night-time diastolic blood pressure and pulse wave velocity. Importantly, the difference in the reduction of pulse wave velocity between exposed and unexposed participants remained significant after adjustment for covariates (-1.49 versus -0.35 m/s; P=0.017). The observed difference in insomnia prevalence between exposed and unexposed individuals at baseline was no more significant at follow-up. Thus, long-term aircraft noise exposure may increase the prevalence of hypertension and accelerate arterial stiffening. However, even short-term noise reduction, as experienced during the COVID-19 lockdown, may reverse those unfavorable effects.

Arteriosclerosis, Atherosclerosis, and Cardiovascular Health: Joint Relations to the Incidence of Cardiovascular Disease.

[Figure: see text].

Predictive Performance and Optimal Cut-Off Points of Blood Pressure for Identifying Arteriosclerosis among Adults in Eastern China.

This study aimed to assess the predictive performance and establish optimal cut-off points of blood pressure for identifying arteriosclerosis in eastern Chinese adults. Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) was utilized to evaluate arteriosclerosis. The predictive performance of blood pressure for arteriosclerosis was determined by the area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristics; the optimal blood pressure cut-off points were determined by Youden's index. A logistic regression model was used to acquire the odds ratio (OR) of blood pressure for arteriosclerosis. The AUCs of blood pressure for identifying arteriosclerosis were 0.868 (95%CI: 0.860-0.875) for systolic blood pressure (SBP) and 0.835 (95%CI: 0.827-0.843) for diastolic blood pressure (DBP), both p < 0.01. The AUCs of women were higher than that of men (0.903 vs. 0.819 for SBP; 0.847 vs. 0.806 for DBP; Z test p < 0.05). The AUCs in the 18-39.9-years group were higher than that in the 40-59.9-years and 60-84-years groups (0.894 vs. 0.842 and 0.818 for SBP; 0.889 vs. 0.818 and 0.759 for DBP; Z test p < 0.05). The total optimal cut-off points of blood pressure for predicting arteriosclerosis were 123.5/73.5 mmHg (SBP/DBP) overall; 123.5/73.5 and 126.5/79.5 mmHg for women and men, respectively; and 120.5/73.5, 123.5/76.5, and 126.5/75.5 mmHg for 18-39.9-years, 40-59.9-years, and 60-84-years groups, respectively. Blood pressure indexes had a high predictive performance for identifying arteriosclerosis with the optimal cut-off point of 123.5/73.5 mmHg (SBP/DBP) in eastern Chinese adults. Women or the younger population have a higher predictive performance and lower cut-off points to identify arteriosclerosis.

The blood pressure control and arteriosclerotic cardiovascular risk among Chinese community hypertensive patients.

The present study aimed to describe the blood pressure (BP) control rate and 10-years arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk estimation among community hypertensive patients. A total of 196,803 subjects were enrolled. The control rates calculated as the intensive (SBP < 130 mmHg and DBP < 80 mmHg) and standard (SBP < 140 mmHg and DBP < 90 mmHg) threshold. Multivariable logistic analysis was employed to assess the associations between cardiovascular factors and BP control. Sensitivity, specificity and Youden's index were used to identify the ability of high risk of ASCVD estimation by different thresholds. The control rate was 16.34% and 50.25% by the intensive and standard threshold, respectively. Besides regular medication, the risk factors for BP control included older age, male, unhealthy lifestyle, obesity, dyslipidemia and abnormal FPG. 25.08% of subjects had high risk of 10-years ASCVD estimation. The sensitivity, specificity and Youden's index of intensive threshold was 84.37%, 16.15% and 0.51%, and were significantly different from 50.55%, 50.42% and 0.98% of the standard threshold, respectively. Half of community hypertensive patients did not control BP, and nearly a quarter have high risk of 10-years ASCVD risk estimation. The intensive threshold resulted in a one-third reduction in the control rate compared to the standard threshold. No matter which threshold was used, a single BP control status seemed not a suitable indicator for identification of high risk of 10-years ASCVD risk estimation.

Exploring biomarkers associated with deteriorating vascular health using a targeted proteomics chip: The SABPA study.

ABSTRACT: In this observational study, by the use of a multiplex proteomic platform, we aimed to explore associations between 92 targeted proteins involved in cardiovascular disease and/or inflammation, and phenotypes of deteriorating vascular health, with regards to ethnicity.Proteomic profiling (92 proteins) was carried out in 362 participants from the Sympathetic activity and Ambulatory Blood Pressure in Africans (SABPA) study of black and white African school teachers (mean age 44.7 ±â€Š9.9 years, 51.9% women, 44.5% Black Africans, 9.9% with known cardiovascular disease). Three proteins with <15% of samples below detectable limits were excluded from analyses. Associations between multiple proteins and prevalence of hypertension as well as vascular health [Carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and pulse wave velocity (PWV)] measures were explored using Bonferroni-corrected regression models.Bonferroni-corrected significant associations between 89 proteins and vascular health markers were further adjusted for clinically relevant co-variates. Hypertension was associated with growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) and C-X-C motif chemokine 16 (CXCL16). cIMT was associated with carboxypeptidase A1 (CPA1), C-C motif chemokine 15 (CCL15), chitinase-3-like protein 1 (CHI3L1), scavenger receptor cysteine-rich type 1 protein M130 (CD163) and osteoprotegerin, whereas PWV was associated with GDF15, E-selectin, CPA1, fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4), CXCL16, carboxypeptidase B (CPB1), and tissue-type plasminogen activator. Upon entering ethnicity into the models, the associations between PWV and CPA1, CPB1, GDF-15, FABP4, CXCL16, and between cIMT and CCL-15, remained significant.Using a multiplex proteomic approach, we linked phenotypes of vascular health with several proteins. Novel associations were found between hypertension, PWV or cIMT and proteins linked to inflammatory response, chemotaxis, coagulation or proteolysis. Further, we could reveal whether the associations were ethnicity-dependent or not.

Dental caries status is associated with arteriosclerosis in patients on hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND: We previously found that worse dental caries status was associated with high pulse pressure among patients on hemodialysis, indicating that such patients might have arteriosclerosis. In this study, we used abdominal computed tomography to evaluate arteriosclerosis in patients on hemodialysis and investigated the association between arteriosclerosis and dental caries status. We also prospectively examined risk factors associated with 2-year prognosis. METHODS: The dental caries and periodontal disease statuses of 80 patients on hemodialysis were evaluated using the decayed, missing, or filled teeth (DMFT) index, and periodontal pocket depth, respectively. The aortic calcification index was semiquantitatively measured using computed tomography images of the abdominal aorta. Clinical data were also analyzed after all patients on hemodialysis provided written, informed consent to participate in the study. RESULTS: Regression analysis demonstrated a significant correlation between the DMFT and aortic calcification indexes. Multiple regression analysis showed that the DMFT index was significantly correlated with the aortic calcification index, following adjustment for age, sex, and dialysis period. Thirteen of the 80 patients died during the 2-year follow-up period; logistic regression analysis showed that mortality rate was significantly associated with the aortic calcification index, but not the DMFT index. However, periodontal pocket depth was not correlated with the aortic calcification index. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that worse dental caries status could be associated with arteriosclerosis among patients on hemodialysis, which may indirectly affect the prognosis of arteriosclerosis in these patients.

Arterial calcification at multiple sites: sex-specific cardiovascular risk profiles and mortality risk-the Rotterdam Study.

BACKGROUND: Evidence has pointed towards differences in the burden of arteriosclerosis according to its location and sex. Yet there is a scarcity of population-based data on aggregated sex-specific cardiovascular risk profiles, instead of single risk factors, and mortality risk according to the location of arteriosclerosis. We assessed sex-specific cardiovascular risk profiles and mortality risk associated with arteriosclerosis. METHODS: From the population-based Rotterdam Study, 2357 participants (mean age 69 years, 53% women) underwent non-contrast computed tomography to quantify calcification, as a proxy for arteriosclerosis, in the coronary arteries (CAC), aortic arch (AAC), extracranial (ECAC) and intracranial carotid arteries (ICAC), vertebrobasilar arteries (VBAC), and aortic valve (AVC). Principal component analysis (PCA) of eight distinct cardiovascular risk factors was performed, separately for women and men, to derive risk profiles based on the shared variance between factors. We used sex-stratified multivariable logistic regression to examine the associations between PCA-derived risk profiles and severe calcification at different locations. We investigated the associations of severe calcification with mortality risk using sex-stratified multivariable Cox regression. RESULTS: PCA identified three cardiovascular risk profiles in both sexes: (1) anthropometry, glucose, and HDL cholesterol; (2) blood pressure; and (3) smoking and total cholesterol. In women, the strongest associations were found for profile 2 with severe ECAC and ICAC (adjusted OR [95% CI] 1.32 [1.14-1.53]) and for profile 3 with severe at all locations, except AVC. In men, the strongest associations were found for profile 2 with VBAC (1.31 [1.12-1.52]) and profile 3 with severe AAC (1.28 [1.09-1.51]). ECAC and AVC in women and CAC in men showed the strongest, independent associations with cardiovascular mortality (HR [95% CI] 2.11 [1.22-3.66], 2.05 [1.21-3.49], 2.24 [1.21-3.78], respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings further underline the existence of sex- and location-specific differences in the etiology and consequences of arteriosclerosis. Future research should unravel which distinct pathological processes underlie differences in risk profiles for arteriosclerosis.

Habitual Night Eating Was Positively Associated With Progress of Arterial Stiffness in Chinese Adults.

Background Night eating has been associated with an elevated risk of obesity, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular disease. However, there is no longitudinal study on whether habitual night eating, regardless of diet quality and energy intake, is associated with arterial stiffness, a major etiological factor in the development of cardiovascular disease. Methods and Results The study included 7771 adult participants without cardiovascular disease, cancer, or diabetes mellitus prior to dietary assessment by a validated food frequency questionnaire in 2014 through 2015. Participants were categorized into 3 groups based on self-reported night-eating habits: never or rarely, some days (1-5 times per week), or most days (6+ times per week). Arterial stiffness was assessed by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity at baseline and repeatedly during follow-ups. Mean differences and 95% CIs in the yearly change rate of brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity across the 3 groups were calculated, adjusting for age, sex, socioeconomic status, total energy intake, diet quality, sleep quality, and other cardiovascular disease risk factors. At baseline, 6625 (85.2%), 610 (7.8%), and 536 (6.9%) participants reported night eating as never or rarely, some days, or most days, respectively. During a mean 3.19 years, we observed a positive association between night-eating frequency and progression of arterial stiffness (P trend=0.01). The adjusted difference in brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity change rate between the group that ate at night most days and the group that never or rarely ate at night was 14.1 (95% CI, 0.6-27.5) cm/s per year. This association was only significant in women, but not in men (P interaction=0.03). Conclusions In an adult population free of major chronic diseases, habitual night eating was positively associated with the progression of arterial stiffness, a hallmark of arteriosclerosis and biological aging. Registration URL: https://www.chictr.org.cn; Unique identifier: ChiCTR-TNRC-11001489.

Association between multi-site atherosclerotic plaques and systemic arteriosclerosis: results from the BEST study (Beijing Vascular Disease Patients Evaluation Study).

BACKGROUND: Arteriosclerosis can be reflected in various aspect of the artery, including atherosclerotic plaque formation or stiffening on the arterial wall. Both arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis are important and closely associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between systemic arteriosclerosis and multi-site atherosclerotic plaques. METHODS: The study was designed as an observational cross-sectional study. A total of 1178 participants (mean age 67.4 years; 52.2% male) enrolled into the observational study from 2010 to 2017. Systemic arteriosclerosis was assessed by carotid femoral artery pulse wave velocity (CF-PWV) and multi-site atherosclerotic plaques (MAP, > = 2 of the below sites) were reflected in the carotid or subclavian artery, abdominal aorta and lower extremities arteries using ultrasound equipment. The associations were assessed by multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: The prevalence of CF-PWV > 12 m/s and MAP were 40.2% and 74.4%. Atherosclerotic plaques in 3 sites were more common in male compared with that in female (48.9% versus 36.9%, p < 0.05). All CVD factors were worse in participants with MAP than that with <=1 site. Participants with CF-PWV > 12 m/s corresponded to a mean 82% probability of MAP with age and sex-adjusted. Patients with peripheral artery disease showed the highest odds ratio (OR) (3.88) for MAP, followed by smoking (2.485), CF-PWV > 12 m/s (2.25), dyslipidemia (1.89), male (1.84), stroke (1.64), hypoglycemic agents (1.56) and age (1.09) (all p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: MAP was highly prevalent in this cohort, with male showing a higher prevalence than female. Higher systemic arteriosclerosis was independently associated with MAP, which indicating the supplementary value of arteriosclerosis for the earlier identification and intervention on MAP. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trial, URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT02569268 .