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.