Objective Vascular aging is a significant factor in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and serves as a predictor of all-cause mortality. Although disturbances in lipid metabolism are known risk factors, their links with standardized stages of vascular aging have not been thoroughly assessed in the Chinese population. This multicenter study analyzed the distribution of vascular aging stages in the China Standardized Vascular Aging Management Centers (VMCs). It investigated the relationships between lipid–adiposity–related indices and the progression of vascular aging.
Methods A total of 668 participants who underwent examinations at multiple VMCs between June 2023 and February 2025 were included. Baseline data were collected from standardized questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, and laboratory tests. The participants were classified into stage 1 (normal vessels), stage 2 (vascular injury), and stage 3 (vascular aging–related diseases). Multiple linear and logistic regression models were used to assess associations between lipid–adiposity–related indices and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) or vascular aging stages. Restricted cubic spline analyses were used to examine potential nonlinear relationships.
Results After controlling for demographic factors, lifestyle behaviors, comorbidities, and medication use, most lipid–adiposity–related indices showed significant positive associations with baPWV. The bilateral baPWV measurements exhibited high consistency. According to the multivariable models, waist circumference (WC), A Body Shape Index (ABSI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist-height ratio (WHtR), triglyceride (TG), atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), and lipid accumulation product (LAP) were significantly linked to vascular aging stages, with several anthropometric indices (WC, ABSI, WHR, WHtR) increasing progressively across stages. No notable nonlinear relationships were observed.
Conclusion Standardized lipid–adiposity–related indices, especially WC, ABSI, WHR, and WHtR, were independently linked to baPWV and vascular aging stages.
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Funding
Shenzhen Medical Research Special Fund(C2406001)
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
The Author(s), under exclusive licence to the Huazhong University of Science and Technology
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