Hematocrit levels and arterial stiffness: the Cardiometabolic Risk in Chinese (CRC) Study

Objective We aimed to investigate the association of haematocrit (HCT) level with central and peripheral arterial stiffness in adults in China. We particularly focussed on the association between HCT and other cardiometabolic risk factors. Methods Adults aged ≥ 20 years were included in the study. Carotid radial pulse wave velocity (crPWV), carotid femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), carotid dorsalis pedis pulse wave velocity (cdPWV), and HCT were measured. Results Overall, 3225 individuals were included in the study. After adjustment for age, sex, and body mass index, HCT level was found to increase significantly with increases in cfPWV, crPWV, and cdPWV ( p = 0.001). Following adjustment for heart rate, blood pressure, and blood lipids, the association of HCT level with crPWV and cdPWV was not significant ( p = 0.090 and 0.053, respectively); however, the association between HCT level and cfPWV remained significant ( p = 0.007). We found significant interactions of HCT level with hypertension and metabolic syndrome in the effect on cfPWV ( p = 0.0419 and 0.026, respectively). Conclusions In adults in China, HCT level was associated with elevated central arterial stiffness, independent of conventional cardiovascular risk factors. As a serological marker, HCT can predict the degree of central arterial stiffness. HCT combined with other traditional cardiovascular risk factors can better assess vascular heart disease.