The Effects of Cardiovascular Health Behaviors and Risk Factors on Brachial-Ankle Pulse Wave Velocity in Middle-Aged Men： in Southeastern China

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) were the leading cause of global mortality. We conducted a across sectional study and to investigate the association between cardiovascular health behaviors and risk factors with brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) in middle-aged men. A total of 6124 men of health examination were enrolled. According to the scores of cardiovascular health behaviors and risk factors, all subjects were divided into poor group (0-6 points), medium group (7-10 points) and good group (11-14 points). Levels of BMI, FBG, SBP, DBP, TC, and baPWV demonstrated a significant downward trend across three groups (from poor to good) with improving scores of cardiovascular health behavior and factor (P<0.05). The incidence of high arterial stiffness in the poor, medium and good groups were 70.2%, 45.2% and 24.1% respectively which showed a gradual decrease (P<0.05). BMI, TC, elevated BP, FBG, Smoking, and age were identified as independent risk factors for increased baPWV, while physical exercise served as a protective factor (all P<0.05). After age adjustment, the odds ratios (ORs) for high arterial stiffness were significantly lower in the medium (OR=0.34) and good (OR=0.13) groups compared to the poor group (both P<0.05). Cardiovascular health behaviors and risk factors were significantly associated with brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) in middle-aged men. Targeted modification of these modifiable factors may contribute to the prevention and management of arterial stiffness in this population.