Association of Kidney Function Tests with a Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index in Community-Dwelling Individuals with a Normal or Mildly Decreased Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate

Abstract

Background and objectives: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Previous studies reported controversial results about the independence of CKD as a risk factor for atherosclerosis. In this study, we tried to determine whether the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and other renal function tests are independent factors associated with arterial stiffness in community-dwelling individuals with a normal (≥90) or slightly decreased eGFR (60-90). Materials and Methods: Data of 164 community individuals were analyzed, and demographic information, related disease history, atherosclerosis risk factors, certain laboratory tests, the estimated eGFR, and urine albumin creatinine ratio (UACR) were recorded for each individual. Results: The age, systolic blood pressure (SBP), hypertension (HTN), and cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) significantly differed between individuals with a normal and those with a slightly decreased eGFR. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), glycated hemoglobin (HBA1c), and the eGFR significantly differed between the high- and low-CAVI groups and were also significantly correlated with the CAVI. The relationship between the eGFR and CAVI was shown to be independent of other atherosclerosis risk factors in a multiple linear regression model. Conclusions: We concluded that evaluations of the eGFR, HTN, body-mass index, and SBP can be used in a model for arterial stiffness risk assessments for community-dwelling individuals with a normal or slightly decreased eGFR.