Association between uric acid and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity: secondary analysis of data from a cross-sectional study

At present, the association between uric acid (UA) and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) has not been well clarified. This study is the second analysis based on a cross-sectional study. 912 participants (average age is 51.5 ± 9.6 years) who underwent medical health examinations were included in this study, UA levels and baPWV were measured. Participants were divided into four groups according to UA levels (Quantile 1: 2.00–4.10 mg/dL; Quantile 2: 4.20–5.20 mg/dL; Quantile 3: 5.30–6.00 mg/dL and Quantile 4: 6.10–9.80 mg/dL), and the differences of baPWV between the four groups were compared. Univariate analysis showed a positive correlation between UA and baPWV [(Quantile 2 vs Quantile 1: 8.85 (−36.05, 53.75); Quantile 3 vs Quantile 1: 60.32 (13.22, 107.42) and Quantile 4 vs Quantile 1: 80.34 (36.19, 124.49)]. After adjusting for confounding factors, the positive correlation between UA and baPWV still exists [(Quantile 2 vs Quantile 1: −9.92 (−60.16, 40.32); Quantile 3 vs Quantile 1: 82.34 (4.00, 160.68) and Quantile 4 vs Quantile 1: 143.13 (0.75, 285.51)]. Furthermore, curve fitting showed that UA and baPWV had a non-linear positive correlation. In conclusion, elevated UA were associated with baPWV, suggesting that UA could be used as a predictor of atherosclerosis.