Arterial Stiffness: Determinants and Relationship to the Metabolic Syndrome

This study aimed to investigate independent determinants of arterial stiffness and evaluate the association of arterial stiffness with the presence of metabolic syndrome (MS). Demographic characteristics, hemodynamic parameters, and cardiovascular (CV) risk factors were assessed in Greek food industry employees with no history of diabetes or CV disease in order to isolate multiple correlates of arterial stiffness as assessed by pulse wave velocity (PWV). Subsequently, logistic regression analysis was performed using as end point the presence of MS, defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program. Data from 424 participants (mean age 45.3 ∓15.5 years, 298 [70.3%] males, average PWV 8.5 ∓3.6 m/s) were analyzed. PWV was higher in men (8.8 ∓3.1 m/s) compared to women (7.7 ∓2.9 m/s, p