Associations between lung and endothelial function in early middle age

ABSTRACT Background and objective Chronic lung disease is associated with impaired endothelial function and this may be a risk factor for poor cardiovascular health. It is unknown if there is an association between lung and endothelial function in the general population. We investigated associations between lung and endothelial function in a population‐based cohort of 38‐year‐old men and women. Methods Systemic endothelial function was measured using peripheral arterial tonometry to calculate the Framingham reactive hyperaemia index. Lung function was assessed using spirometry, plethysmographic lung volumes, airway conductance and gas transfer. Associations between lung and endothelial function were assessed with and without adjustment for potential confounding factors using regression analyses. Results Sex modified the association between lung and endothelial function. Among women, lower values of pre‐ and post‐bronchodilator spirometry, total lung capacity and functional residual capacity (FRC) were associated with worse endothelial function (P