Relationship Between Brachial–Ankle Pulse Wave Velocity and Risk of New-Onset Acute Myocardial Infarction

Background To investigate the effect of brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) on new-onset acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Methods A retrospective cohort study was performed for the subjects who underwent baPWV examination during the follow-up of Kailuan Study Cohort from 2010 to 2017. The observation subjects were divided into 3 groups based on the levels of baPWV: <14, 14 to <18, and ≥18 m/s. The incidence density of AMI in 3 groups was calculated. Log-rank test was used to compare the differences of cumulative AMI incidence among 3 groups. The influence of baPWV on new-onset AMI was analyzed by Cox proportional risk model and restricted cubic spline. Results A total of 41,405 subjects were included in the study. During 2.66 (1.07–5.39) years’ follow-up, 150 new-onset AMI cases were observed. The incidence density of AMI in 3 groups was 3.69, 12.79, and 26.65 per 10,000 person-years, respectively. Log-rank test result showed the cumulative AMI incidence increased gradually from the subjects with the lowest baPWV to those with the highest baPWV (P < 0.05). Compared with subjects with baPWV <14 m/s, Cox model showed that hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) of AMI in those with baPWV 14 to <18 m/s and baPWV ≥18 m/s were 1.77 (1.04–3.01) and 1.93 (1.03–3.60) after adjusting for age, sex, and other potential confounding factors, respectively. Restricted cubic spline analysis showed that there was a dose–response relationship between the hazard ratio of AMI and baPWV levels. Conclusions The increased baPWV is a risk factor for new-onset AMI.