Risk factors for peripheral arterial disease incidence in persons with diabetes: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study

BACKGROUND: Some risk factors for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) have been identified, but little information is available on PAD risk factors in individuals with diabetes. METHODS: Using data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study, we assessed the relation of traditional and non-traditional risk factors with the risk of PAD in 1651 participants with diabetes, but not PAD, at baseline. Incident PAD was defined as an ankle-brachial index (ABI)<0.9 assessed at regular examinations; hospital discharge codes for PAD, amputation, or leg revascularization; or claudication assessed by annual questionnaire. RESULTS: Over a mean of 10.3 years of follow-up, 238 persons developed incident PAD identified, yielding a PAD event rate of 13.9 per 1000 person years. Adjusted for sex, age, race, and center, the risk of developing PAD was increased 1.87-fold (95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.36-2.57) in persons who were current smokers versus non-smokers, 2.27-fold (95% CI: 1.57-3.26) for baseline coronary heart disease (CHD) versus no baseline CHD, and 1.75-fold (95% CI: 1.18-2.60) for the highest quartile versus lowest quartile of triglycerides. We found no evidence of an association with other blood lipids or hypertension. Compared with the lowest quartiles, comparably-adjusted relative risks for the highest quartiles were 1.60 (95% CI: 1.10-2.33) for waist-to-hip ratio, 2.52 (95% CI: 1.70-3.73) for fibrinogen, 1.70 (95% CI: 1.17-2.47) for factor VIII, 1.73 (95% CI: 1.18-2.54) for von Willebrand factor, 2.15 (95% CI: 1.43-3.24) for white blood cell count, 1.81 (95% CI: 1.19-2.74) for serum creatinine, 0.55 (95% CI: 0.37-0.83) for serum albumin, and 2.73 (95% CI: 1.77-4.22) for carotid intima-media thickness. Persons who had a prior history of diabetes and were taking insulin had a relative risk of 1.97 (95% CI: 1.35-2.87) for future PAD events, compared with those with newly identified diabetes at baseline. In our final multivariable model, current smoking, prevalent CHD, elevated fibrinogen and carotid IMT, and a prior history of diabetes with insulin treatment were independently associated with greater PAD incidence. CONCLUSION: These markers might be useful to identify individuals with diabetes at particular risk for PAD.     

Oscillometric measurement of ankle-brachial index

INTRODUCTION

Peripheral arterial disease is a coronary risk equivalent; a low ankle-brachial index (ABI) is indicative of systemic vascular disease, and should place a patient in the high-risk category. Few physicians measure ABI because it is technically challenging and time consuming. Oscillometric blood pressure monitors are readily available and easy to use. The use of a simple method of documenting ABI was assessed and compared with the conventional method.

METHODS

The oscillometric ABI (OABI) was measured for normal volunteers, patients attending a cardiovascular risk clinic (Cardiovascular Risk Factor Reduction Unit [CRFRU] at the University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon) and patients referred to a vascular laboratory (vasc lab). The latter group had Doppler ABI (DABI) measurements and served to validate OABI. An Omron HEM 711C oscillometric system (Omron Canada Inc) with appropriate cuff size for arm and leg circumference was used.

RESULTS

The mean ± SEM OABI was 1.13±0.08 in normal volunteers (n=26), 1.10±0.10 in CRFRU patients (n=11, P not significant) and 1.03±0.14 in vasc lab patients (n=57, P<0.05 compared with normal volunteers). No difference was found between sexes, and there was no correlation with age. In the vasc lab group, the correlation with DABI was 0.71 (P<0.05). The sensitivity of OABI to detect DABI of less than 0.9 was 0.71, and the specificity was 0.89. OABI was found to be less sensitive at detecting low values in patients with nonpalpable pulses on physical examination.

CONCLUSION

The OABI is feasible and operator-independent, but does not detect low ABI efficiently. If OABI is abnormal, low DABI is likely. The OABI is less likely to detect disease in patients with nonpalpable peripheral pulses. Such patients are better referred directly to a vascular laboratory for DABI testing.     

中老年人群踝臂指数减低的相关因素研究

目的探讨40岁以上中老年人群踝臂指数(ABI)减低的发生率及与其他心血管病危险因素之间的关系。方法采用横断面研究,入选自2008年3月至2009年11月来我院门诊就诊及体检的40岁以上中老年人群,检测ABI并调查患者的一般资料及心血管病危险因素,分析患者ABI减低的发生率及相关的危险因素。结果共入选符合条件的对象1040例,男性620例,女性420例,年龄40岁～89岁,平均年龄55.65±10.39岁,男性平均56.81±11.23岁,女性平均53.93±8.64岁。ABI减低的发生率为13.3%(138/1040),其中男性为11.1%(69/620),女性为16.4%(69/420)。经logistic多变量回归分析后,ABI减低的独立相关危险因素是女性,年龄、糖尿病病史、高血压病史、甘油三酯、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇、吸烟史。结论ABI减低与心血管疾病及传统心血管病危险因素密切相关,可作为心血管病危险人群的一种无创、简单筛查手段。     

Using ankle-brachial index to detect peripheral arterial disease: prevalence and associated risk factors in a random population sample

Background and aimThe ankle-brachial index (ABI) is being used increasingly to diagnose peripheral arterial disease (PAD) that predicts cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of PAD and associated risk factors in a Spanish random population sample of age ≥40.Methods and resultsPAD is defined as an ABI < 0.9 in either leg. 784 participants of age ≥40 were randomly selected in a Spanish province. 55.4% of them were female. The prevalence of PAD in this sample was 10.5% (95% confidence interval (CI) 8.4–12.8); 9.7% in females and 11.4% in males. In logistic regression analyses, adjusted for age and gender, smoking per 10 pack-years (odds ratio (OR) 1.40, 95% CI 1.23–1.58), hypertension (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.05–3.28), hypercholesterolemia (OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.04–2.98), and diabetes (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.04–3.11) were positively associated with prevalent PAD. More than 91% of persons with PAD had one or more cardiovascular disease risk factors.ConclusionsWe conclude that in our study hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes mellitus and smoking are associated with PAD. The majority of individuals with PAD had at least one important cardiovascular risk factor advanced enough to be considered eligible for an aggressive treatment.     

Prevalence of high ankle-brachial index (ABI) in general population of Southern Italy, risk factor profiles and systemic cardiovascular co-morbidity: An epidemiological study

Many studies have been carried out to assess the prevalence, risk factors and co-morbidities of peripheral artery disease (PAD). By contrast, to date there is a lack of data on patients with high-ABI. This study aimed at estimating the prevalence of increased ABI (ABI > 1.4) and to evaluate the involvement of traditional cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and the atherosclerotic burden (peripheral and carotid arteries) of these patients in a population of Southern Italy. We invited 9647 subjects, age ranging from 30 to 80, by letters to undergo an ABI measurement. Consequently, in patients with ABI > 1.4, an ultrasound evaluation of the peripheral and carotid arteries was performed. An ABI > 1.4 was found in 260 of 3412 subjects (7.6%). Statistically significant differences were reported in age, diabetes and hypertension, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC). No differences in sex distribution, dyslipidemia and smoke prevalence were observed. Moreover, 67.9% of ABI > 1.4 patients showed a peripheral intima-media thickness (IMT) > 0.9 mm; at linear regression it was correlated with ABI values; 25% of patients showed peripheral plaques. A carotid IMT > 0.9 mm was reported in 78.6% of high-ABI patients and 32.1% were affected by atherosclerotic plaques. The observed increased-ABI prevalence of 7.6% was higher than previously reported. This was more prevalent in an older population with diabetes, hypertension and obesity. Moreover, these patients are characterized by an extended atherosclerotic involvement. Further studies are needed to clarify this evidence, a longitudinal observation of this clinical outcome, as we are performing, could provide a number of interesting elements.     

Prehypertension is associated with peripheral arterial disease and low ankle-brachial index

Patients with prehypertension suffer endothelial dysfunction and are at increased cardiovascular risk. Ankle-brachial index (ABI) constitutes an efficient tool for diagnosing peripheral arterial disease; but also an ABI < 0.9 is an independent and positive predictor of endothelial dysfunction and is associated with increased cardiovascular risk and mortality.The aimof this study was testing whether ABI was decreased in prehypertensive patients when compared with normotensive subjects.MethodsWe included 70 prehypertensive patients older than 19 years, in whom the ABI was registered with a 5 megahertz Doppler (Summit Doppler L250, Life Dop., USA). The highest ankle systolic pressure was divided by the highest brachial systolic pressure. We also included 70 normotensive subjects in whom the ABI was registered in the same way. The measurements were performed by the same physician who was blinded about the study.Statistical analysis was performed with odds ratio and student t-test.ResultsThe ABI values in normotensive subjects were 1.023 ± 0.21, whereas prehypertensive patients significantly had lower ABI (0.90 ± 0.14p = 0.00012).We found ABI <0.9 in 30 prehypertensive patients (42.85%) and 13 normotensive patients (18.5%). The odds ratio of ABI <0.90 in prehypertensive patients was 3.288 (IC₉₅ 1.5–7.0, p = 0.0023).A regression analysis failed to show any independent association between ABI values and any other clinical parameter.ConclusionsPrehypertensive patients had lower ABI and higher prevalence of peripheral artery disease when compared with normotensive subjects; this fact increases their cardiovascular risk. ABI must be included in global evaluation of prehypertensive subjects.     

Fibroblast growth factor 23, the ankle-brachial index,and incident peripheral artery disease in the Cardiovascular Health Study

Background

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) has emerged as a novel risk factor for mortality and cardiovascular events. Its association with the ankle-brachial index (ABI) and clinical peripheral artery disease (PAD) is less known.

Methods

Using data (N = 3143) from the Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS), a cohort of community dwelling adults >65 years of age, we analyzed the cross-sectional association of FGF23 with ABI and its association with incident clinical PAD events during 9.8 years of follow up using multinomial logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models respectively.

Results

The prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and traditional risk factors like diabetes, coronary artery disease, and heart failure increased across higher quartiles of FGF23. Compared to those with ABI of 1.1–1.4, FGF23 per doubling at baseline was associated with prevalent PAD (ABI < 0.9) although this association was attenuated after adjusting for CVD risk factors, and kidney function (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.76–1.08). FGF23 was not associated with high ABI (>1.4) (OR 1.06, 95% CI 0.75–1.51). Higher FGF23 was associated with incidence of PAD events in unadjusted, demographic adjusted, and CVD risk factor adjusted models (HR 2.26, 95% CI 1.28–3.98; highest versus lowest quartile). The addition of estimated glomerular filtration and urine albumin to creatinine ratio to the model however, attenuated these findings (HR 1.46, 95% CI, 0.79–2.70).

Conclusions

In community dwelling older adults, FGF23 was not associated with baseline low or high ABI or incident PAD events after adjusting for confounding variables. These results suggest that FGF23 may primarily be associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes through non atherosclerotic mechanisms.     

乐亭县敬老院老年男性踝臂指数与心血管疾病危险因素的关系

目的探讨老年人踝臂指数(ABI)与心血管病危险因素之间的关系。方法采用标准化心血管病流行病学调查方法,对乐亭县4个敬老院355例60岁及以上男性人群进行调查。问卷调查包括一般情况、吸烟饮酒史、个人病史及家族史。体检包括人体测量、血压3次测量及踝臂指数(ABI)检测。ABI0.9为异常组,0.9~1.4为正常组。采集空腹静脉血测量血糖、血脂等生化指标。用SPSS软件包对ABI相关危险因素进行统计学分析。结果 ABI异常组占总人数11.3%。偏相关(控制年龄)分析显示ABI与腰围、总胆固醇(TC)、三酰甘油(TG)及低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)呈负相关(P均0.05)。依据心血管病常见危险因素(腰围、血压、血糖、血脂异常和吸烟)进行分析,≥3个危险因素人群比例在ABI异常组明显高于正常组(62.6%vs.37.5%,P=0.003)。多元Logistic回归分析显示,年龄(OR=1.095,95%CI:1.042~1.151)、LDL-C(OR=1.973,95%CI:1.252~3.111)、TG(OR=1.522,95%CI:1.065~2.174)、吸烟(OR=2.537,95%CI:1.205~5.339)是ABI异常的独立危险因素。结论ABI降低的人群有明显的心血管病危险因素聚集性,年龄、LDL-C、TG、吸烟是其独立危险因素。     

Elevated NT-ProBNP as a Cardiovascular Disease Risk Equivalent: Evidence from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study

BackgroundIt remains unclear whether elevated N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) can serve as a “risk equivalent” for cardiovascular disease to adults at high cardiovascular risk.MethodsWe included 9789 participants (mean age 63.2 years, 55% women, 19.4% Black, 13% with a history of cardiovascular disease) who attended Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study Visit 4 (1996-1998). We classified participants as having a history of cardiovascular disease at baseline and, among those without cardiovascular disease, we defined categories of NT-proBNP (<125, 125-449, ≥450 pg/mL). We used Cox regression to estimate associations of NT-proBNP with incident cardiovascular disease and mortality.ResultsOver a median 20.5 years of follow-up, there were 4562 deaths (917 cardiovascular deaths). There were 2817 first events and 806 recurrent events (in those with a history of cardiovascular disease at baseline). Among individuals without a history of cardiovascular disease, those adults with NT-proBNP ≥450 pg/mL had significantly higher risks of all-cause death (hazard ratio [HR] 2.12; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.78-2.53), cardiovascular mortality (HR 2.92; 95% CI, 2.15-3.97), incident total cardiovascular disease (HR 2.59; 95% CI, 2.13-3.16), atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (HR 2.20; 95% CI, 1.72-2.80), and heart failure (HR 3.81; 95% CI, 3.01-4.81), compared with individuals with NT-proBNP <125 pg/mL. The elevated cardiovascular risk in persons with high NT-proBNP and no history of cardiovascular disease was similar to, or higher than, the risk conferred by a history of cardiovascular disease.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that it might be appropriate to manage adults with NT-proBNP ≥450 pg/mL as if they had a history of clinical cardiovascular disease.     

Ankle-brachial index and hemostatic markers in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study cohort

To determine whether elevated levels of hemostatic and inflammatory markers [von Willebrand factor (vWF), fibrinogen, D-dimer, factor VII, factor VIII, PAI-1, tPA, beta-thromboglobulin (beta-TG), CRP, and WBC count] are associated with increased peripheral arterial disease (PAD) prevalence, measured by low ABI, we studied 13,778 participants from the ARIC study in a cross-sectional analysis after adjustment for major cardiovascular risk factors. PAD was positively associated with fibrinogen, vWF, factor VIII, WBC count, D-dimer, beta-TG, and CRP (p for trend <0.05) but not with the other markers. Adjusted odds ratios for the highest versus the lowest quartile of fibrinogen in men and women, respectively, were 3.49 (95% CI 1.68-7.26) and 2.44 (95% CI 1.58-3.77); for vWF 2.36 (95% CI 1.36-4.07) and 1.45 (95% CI 1.00-2.10); for factor VIII 2.31 (95% CI 1.36-3.94) and 1.68 (95% CI 1.14-2.48). In a smaller subset, the sex and risk factor adjusted odds ratio for the highest versus the lowest quartile of D-dimer was 2.70 (95% CI 1.56-4.65), for beta-TG was 1.80 (95% CI 1.12-2.88), and for CRP was 1.57 (95% CI 0.84-2.95). Plasma levels of hemostatic and inflammatory markers are elevated in PAD, suggesting these processes are involved in the pathophysiology of PAD.     

Role of ankle-brachial pressure index as a predictor of coronary artery disease severity in patients with diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND:

Previous studies have reported a close correlation between low ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI) and various cardiovascular risk factors. However, despite the well-established potential hazards of consequent coronary artery disease (CAD), no data exist on the relationship between ABPI and the severity of CAD, particularly in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM).

METHODS:

A total of 840 patients ranging from 35 to 87 years of age (mean [± SD] 63.9±10.2 years) with suspected CAD in a clinical practice were enrolled. All patients underwent ABPI measurements and coronary angiography. Patients were divided into four groups according to the results of ABPI measurements and the presence or absence of DM: group A had an ABPI value of at least 0.9 but no DM (A⁻/D⁻); group B had an ABPI value of at least 0.9 and DM (A⁻/D⁺); group C had an ABPI of less than 0.9 but no DM (A⁺/D⁻); and group D had an ABPI value of less than 0.9 and DM (A⁺/D⁺).

RESULTS:

Age was significantly higher in the A⁺ (groups C and D) than the A⁻ patients (groups A and B). Moreover, men predominated in all four groups. Comparisons of sex distribution among the four groups revealed that group D had the highest percentage of women, while group A had the lowest. Total cholesterol level did not differ among the four groups, although group D tended to have the highest result. Patients in group D had the highest percentages of hypertension, hypercholesterol, hypertriglyceride, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol among the four groups. Group D exhibited the highest triglyceride and uric acid levels, the lowest high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, and the highest metabolic syndrome criteria number and percentage of metabolic syndrome. Furthermore, group D had the highest mean lesion numbers, mean numbers of target vessel involvement, stenoses with type C classification and complex morphology lesions (chronic total occlusion, diffuse or calcified lesions) among the four groups. There were still significant differences in lesion numbers (P<0.001) and numbers of target vessel involvement (P<0.001) for ABPI predicting CAD severity after controlling for the effects of DM and age. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of using an ABPI of less than 0.9 to predict CAD differed significantly between patients with and without DM.

CONCLUSIONS:

ABPI is a useful noninvasive tool for predicting CAD severity, even in patients with DM.     

Effects of age, sex and smoking on ankle-brachial index in a Finnish population at risk for cardiovascular disease

BACKGROUND

Smoking is a well-known risk factor for peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Data regarding differences in the prevalence of PAD between sexes are somewhat controversial. In addition, most studies indicate that the prevalence of PAD increases with age in both sexes. In the present study, the effects of sex, age and smoking on the ankle-brachial index (ABI) in a Finnish cardiovascular risk population were investigated.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the relationship between the ankle-brachial index, and age, sex and smoking in a Finnish population at risk for cardiovascular disease.

METHODS

All men and women between 45 and 70 years of age living in a rural town (Harjavalta, Finland; total population 7700) were invited to participate in a population survey (Harmonica study). Patients with previously diagnosed diabetes or vascular disease were excluded. In total, 2856 patients were invited to participate in the study. From these subjects, a cardiovascular risk population was screened. Complete data were available from 1028 persons. ABI (the ratio between the posterior tibial or dorsalis pedis artery and brachial artery pressures) was measured, and questionnaires were used to detect smoking status and relevant medical history. Only current smoking status was taken into account.

RESULTS

The mean ABI for the entire study population was 1.10 (range 0.56 to 1.64). Current smokers had a lower mean ABI (1.06; P<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in ABI values among age groups, although the majority of patients with ABI values below 0.9 were older than 60 years of age. There was no statistically significant difference in ABI between sexes.

CONCLUSION

As previously reported, the present study shows the significant effect of smoking in the development of PAD. No statistically significant difference was found among age groups, but the tendency was toward lower ABIs in the oldest age groups. Sex had a minimal effect on the ABI.     

The ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities) Study: JACC Focus Seminar 3/8

ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities) initiated community-based surveillance in 1987 for myocardial infarction and coronary heart disease (CHD) incidence and mortality and created a prospective cohort of 15,792 Black and White adults ages 45 to 64 years. The primary aims were to improve understanding of the decline in CHD mortality and identify determinants of subclinical atherosclerosis and CHD in Black and White middle-age adults. ARIC has examined areas including health disparities, genomics, heart failure, and prevention, producing more than 2,300 publications. Results have had strong clinical impact and demonstrate the importance of population-based research in the spectrum of biomedical research to improve health.     

Pulmonary function and left ventricular mass in African Americans: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study

Purpose: Impaired pulmonary function has been associated with increased cardiovascular disease incidence and mortality. The objective of this study was to investigate associations between pulmonary function and left ventricular (LV) mass. Methods: Participants were African American women (n = 1,069) and men (n = 555) aged 49–73 years, from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study. Mean pulmonary function values at the first (1987–1989) and second (1990–1992) examinations were used. Echocardiograms were performed at the third and early in the fourth examinations (1993–1996). Analysis of covariance and linear regression were used to assess associations. Results: Mean levels of LV mass decreased with increasing quintiles of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁) among female never smokers (P = 0.039). Forced vital capacity (FVC) showed stronger associations than FEV₁ with LV mass. Among men, LV mass was positively associated with FEV₁ among current and never smokers, and with FVC among never smokers. Additional analyses among never smokers revealed significant inverse associations between LV mass and FVC among women with waist‐to‐hip ratios of >0.85 and those with no history of diabetes. In contrast, significant positive associations between LV mass and FVC were seen among male never smokers with body mass index (BMI) of ≤24.9 kg/m², waist‐to‐hip ratios of ≤0.95, no history of hypertension or diabetes, and ≤60 years old. BMI and waist‐to‐hip ratio significantly modified associations among men. Conclusions: Among never smokers, LV mass and pulmonary function were inversely associated among women and positively associated among men. Further studies are warranted. (Echocardiography 2012;29:131‐139)     

Trait anger and arterial stiffness: results from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study

The cross-sectional association between trait anger and stiffness of the left common carotid artery was examined in 10,285 black or white men or women, 48-67 years of age, from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study cohort. Trait anger was assessed using the 10-item Spielberger Trait Anger Scale. Arterial stiffness was assessed by pulsatile arterial diameter change (PADC) derived from echo-tracking ultrasound methods; the smaller the PADC, the stiffer the common carotid artery. In men, trait anger was significantly associated with PADC, independent of the established cardiovascular disease risk factors (p=0.04). PADC decreased from the first (lowest anger group) to the second quintile of anger, but there was no progressive decrease thereafter. Also observed was a 13-microm (95% confidence interval [CI], 1-25) difference in the magnitude of PADC from the lowest to the uppermost quintile of anger (PADC [standard error], 421 [4] microm vs. 408 [5] microm). In women, the association was marginally significant (p=0.07). The low-high difference in the magnitude of PADC (PADC [standard error], 397 [3] microm vs. 406 [4] microm) was inverse (-9 microm 95% CI, -19 to 2). Conclusions indicate that very high trait anger is associated with arterial stiffness in men.     

冠心病患者CAVI与ABI改变的临床研究

目的探讨冠状动脉粥样硬化性心脏病（CHD,冠心病）患者在动脉硬化及僵硬度指标心踝血管指数（cardio-ankle vascular index,CAVI）与踝臂指数（ankle-brachial index,ABI）改变的临床价值。方法随机选取在安徽医科大学第一附属医院心血管内科行选择性冠状动脉造影检查及治疗的患者269例,其中经冠脉造影证实的冠心病患者（狭窄≥50%）217例作为实验组（冠心病组）,并根据冠状动脉血管病变支数分为相应的亚组,其余52例（狭窄〈50%）作为对照组（非冠心病组）,比较两组间在CAVI、ABI的差异。结果①随着冠状动脉狭窄程度的加重,CAVI进行性增高,组间的差异有统计学意义（P〈0.01）。②非冠心病组与冠心病组的ABI均在正常范围,但冠心病组的ABI低于非冠心病组（P〈0.01）。多支病变组ABI低于对照组、单支病变组（P〈0.05）。③CAVI（＋）预测冠心病的敏感性较高（66.4%）,特异性欠佳（32.7%）;ABI降低预测冠心病的敏感性低（18.0%）,但特异性高（96.2%）。结论 CAVI（-）可能是非冠心病有意义的独立预测因子,CAVI（＋）有利于早期发现动脉硬化,ABI降低是冠心病独立的危险因子,可作为冠心病诊断参考指标。