Evaluation of the vascular age in the identification of subclinical cardiovascular risk factors
Abstract
Vascular age, estimated through pulse wave velocity, is emerging as a relevant subclinical marker for predicting cardiovascular risk, complementing traditional factors. In a preliminary cross-sectional analysis conducted on 30 people from a coastal town in Biobío, Chile, anthropometric and arterial stiffness parameters were evaluated, including pulse wave velocity, aortic augmentation index, and reflection time. The results showed that those with a vascular age equal to or over 60 years had higher levels of body fat, visceral fat and fat mass, as well as greater waist circumference and arterial stiffness, evidenced by a higher pulse wave velocity. They also exhibited a shorter reflection time, suggesting a decline in vascular elasticity. In contrast, participants with vascular age under 60 years showed better indicators of both body composition and cardiovascular health, supporting the value of vascular age as a subclinical determinant for the early detection of cardiovascular risk.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Felipe Antonio Albarrán Torres, Jacqueline Marlene Ibarra Peso, Mariel Alejandra Lobos Farias, Miguel Enrique Sánchez-Hechavarría
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