Factors associated with Cardio Ankle Vascular Index (CAVI) and its mathematically corrected formula (CAVI₀) in community dwelling individuals

Cardio Ankle Vascular Index (CAVI) and mathematically corrected formula derived from it (CAVI₀) are indices for arterial stiffness and atherosclerosis. Role of different atherosclerotic risk factors on CAVI and CAVI₀ is not clear in the community dwelling individuals. This study aims to evaluate the association of different Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) risk factors on CAVI and CAVI₀. Participants from a prospective cohort study have been recruited for CAVI measurement. Known risk factors for atherosclerosis were assessed in the individuals. CAVI and CAVI₀ is highly correlated (Pearson’s r = 0.95 and p < 0.001). Further correlation analysis of the study variables with CAVI shows that CAVI is significantly correlated with age, Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP), Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP), Mean Blood Pressure (MBP). CAVI₀ is also significantly correlated with age, SBP and MBP. CAVI₀ is not correlated with DBP (Pearson’s r = 0.05 and p = 0.46). Among laboratory tests, CAVI and CAVI₀ are correlated with Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) (r = 0.20, p = 0.009 and r = 0.22, p = 0.004 respectively) and also with HBA1c (r = 0.21, p = 0.006 and r = 0.25, p = 0.001 respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that only age is independent determinant of CAVI and CAVI₀. As SBP and DBP are not independently associated with CAVI and CAVI₀, these indices could be considered reliable in differentiating people with high risks of CVD, as it is not dependent on other risk factors. As CAVI₀ is not correlated with DBP, when evaluating the results of CAVI₀, we should consider that this index maybe not be reflective of DBP in the patient.