†These authors contributed equally.
Background: This study investigated the correlation in parameters of
arterial stiffness and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk on age and body mass
index (BMI) in Chinese females. Methods: This cross-sectional study
enrolled 2220 females. Arterial stiffness was assessed by the measurement of
arterial velocity pulse index (AVI) and arterial pressure volume index (API).
Individual 10-year cardiovascular risk was calculated for each patient using the
Framingham cardiovascular risk score (FCVRS). Results: API and AVI had a
significant J-shaped relationship with age. Beginning at the age of 30 years, the
API started to increase, while after 49 years, the increase in API was even
steeper. AVI increased from the age of 32 years, and increased more rapidly after
56 years. The linear association between API and BMI following adjustment for age
was significant (