Beyond Body Shape: Exploring the Complex Link between ABSI and Arterial Stiffness in a Chinese Population

Background: Obesity, particularly abdominal obesity, is a well-established risk factor for arterial stiffness (AS) and cardiovascular diseases. A Body Shape Index (ABSI) is a novel anthropometric measure designed to assess abdominal obesity, yet its association with AS remains inconclusive. This study aims to investigate the relationship between ABSI and AS indicators in a general population. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 721 participants from the general population of Dali, Yunnan Province, China. ABSI was calculated using a standardized formula. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to examine the associations between ABSI and AS indicators, including brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (ba-PWV) and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV). Results: Higher ABSI tertiles were significantly associated with increased ba-PWV and cf-PWV compared to the lowest tertile (P ≤ 0.007). However, after adjusting for potential confounders, these associations became non-significant (P ≥ 0.058), suggesting that ABSI is not an independent predictor of AS. Conclusions: The initial association between ABSI and AS was attenuated after covariate adjustment, suggesting ABSI is not an independent AS marker. Further research is warranted to understand the complex interactions between ABSI and other cardiovascular risk factors and its potential role in AS risk assessment.