Association between Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index and Serum Cystatin C Levels in Patients with Cardiovascular Risk Factor

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to clarify the relationship between CAVI and serum cystatin C levels to understand the role of arterial stiffness in the presence of renal insufficiency.
Methods: We enrolled 206 consecutive patients with cardiovascular risk factors and/or coronary artery disease (CAD) in the study. Serum cystatin C, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and plasma levels of von Willebrand factor (vWF) and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) were measured. CAVI was determined as an index of arterial stiffness.
Results: For all patients, the mean serum cystatin C level was 0.81±0.21 mg/L and mean eGFR was 65.8±15.5 mL/min per 1.73 m². In univariate analysis, CAVI levels significantly correlated with cystatin C levels (r=0.414, p<0.001), eGFR (r=-0.315, p<0.01), PAI-1 (r=0.269, p<0.01), and vWF (r=0.207, p<0.01). Multiple regression analysis showed that age, cystatin C, PAI-1, and a history of CAD were independent variables of CAVI. Age-adjusted CAVI was highest in the presence of both CAD and renal impairment.
Conclusion: CAVI was closely associated with cystatin C levels. These results suggest a significant role of arterial stiffness in renal insufficiency.