Title:Association of Low BMI with Aortic Stiffness in Young Healthy Individuals

VOLUME: 17 ISSUE: 3

Author(s):Satish G. Patil*, Sneha Arakeri and Vitthal Khode

Affiliation:Department of Physiology, SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital, SDM University, Dharwad, Karnataka, Department of Physiology, Shri B. M. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, BLDE (Deemed to be University), Vijayapura, Karnataka, Department of Physiology, SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital, SDM University, Dharwad, Karnataka

Keywords:Arterial stiffness, blood pressure, BMI, young, healthy, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).

Abstract:

Background: Increased arterial stiffness is an independent predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. It is unknown whether low BMI has any detrimental effect on the arterial wall during young age.

Objectives: The present study was aimed to determine if low BMI can increase arterial stiffness in young, healthy individuals.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on young, healthy subjects (n=100) with low BMI

Results: A significantly increased pulse pressure (p=0.014), baPWV (1059.2 ± 140.26 cm/s vs 994.66 ± 129.23 cm/s; p=0.019) and cfPWV (641.03 ± 113.83 cm/s vs 583.96 ± 120.48 cm/s; p=0.017) was found in individuals with low BMI than normal BMI group. There was a significant negative correlation between BMI and central arterial PWV. Further multiple regression analysis showed that BMI was robustly associated with cf-PWV (p=0.004) and baPWV (p=0.016) even after multiple adjustments with potential confounders using several models.

Conclusions: These findings show a significant increased aortic stiffness and pulse pressure in low BMI subjects compared to those with normal BMI. Low BMI was inversely and independently associated with central arterial or aortic stiffness. These findings suggest that low BMI may be a risk factor for aortic stiffness in young, healthy individuals.