Age- and Gender Dependent Association between Components of Metabolic Syndrome and Subclinical Arterial Stiffness in a Chinese Population

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to estimate the relationship between arterial stiffness and components of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in different age- and gender groups. METHODS A total of 12,900 Chinese adults aged 20-79 years were recruited and stratified on the basis of gender and age. All participants underwent the measurement of waist circumference, blood pressure (BP), brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV; an indicator of arterial stiffness), and blood chemistry. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between baPWV and above variables, to determine the relative influence of each component of MetS on baPWV. RESULTS The prevalence of metabolic disorders except for low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was much higher in men than in women. All participants with MetS or any component of MetS except for low HDL-C had higher baPWV. BP was positively correlated with baPWV in all groups, while HDL-C was not correlated with baPWV in any groups. In addition, fasting glucose was related to baPWV in middle-aged adults and the elderly. Waist circumference had a positive association with baPWV in middle-aged adults and young men, triglyceride levels showed a significant correlation with baPWV in middle-aged women and young men. Of the MetS components, elevated BP was the strongest predictor of baPWV. CONCLUSION The prevalence of metabolic disorders and the association between baPWV and metabolic variables are dependent on age and gender. Different components of MetS exert distinct impacts on the baPWV in different age- and gender groups, with BP being the strongest predictor. It is suggested that age and gender should be taken into accounted in the management of MetS aiming to reduce subsequent complications.