The association between cumulative C-reactive protein and brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity

Background and aims This study aimed to investigate the association between cumulative C-reactive protein (cumCPR) and arterial stiffness. Methods The cross-sectional study included 15,432 participants from the Kailuan Cohort. The participants were divided into four groups according to cumCRP quartiles. The average brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and detective rate of increased arterial stiffness were compared between exposure groups. Statistical analysis was performed with multiple logistic regression analysis to estimate the association between cumCRP and arterial stiffness by calculating the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The several sensitivity analyses were performed to test the robustness of our findings. Results The average baPWV increased from 1425.70 cm/s of Q1 group to 1626.48 cm/s of Q4 group. And the detective rate of arterial stiffness increased from 44.7 to 70.1% ( P < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting the confounding factors, compared to the Q1 group, the Q4 group had 42% (adjusted OR 1.42; 95% CI 1.24–1.63) higher arterial stiffness risk. In addition, 10% (adjusted OR 1.10; 95% CI 1.02–1.18) arterial stiffness risk was increased per 1 standard deviation (SD) of cumCRP after a fully adjusted regression model. Conclusion Higher cumCRP exposure is associated with increased arterial stiffness.