Sex disparity in the association between hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype and arterial stiffness in Chinese healthy subjects

Objective: To investigate the association between hypertriglyceridemic waist (HTGW) phenotype and arterial stiffness in a Chinese population without hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Methods: A total number of 3028 subjects aged 40 years and over were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. All participants provided a clinical history and underwent a physical examination. Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) was used to evaluate arterial stiffness. HTGW phenotype was defined as the simultaneous presence of waist circumference ≥90/80 cm and triglycerides ≥2.0/1.5 mmol/L in men/women.

Results: The prevalence of HTGW phenotype was 7.5% among healthy participants in China (Beijing), 7.4% in men and 7.5% in women. Women with HTGW phenotype had a higher level of baPWV compared with normal WC and normal triglyceride (NWNT) group (P < 0.05), but no significant difference was observed in men (P > 0.05). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed HTGW phenotype was significantly associated with baPWV after controlling for multiple factors in women. However, no significant relationship was observed in men.

Conclusions: The present study supports that HTGW phenotype is associated with increased arterial stiffness in women but not in men.