The relation between estimated pulse wave velocity and peripheral arterial disease: A study based on NHANES

Background As a type of atherosclerotic lesion affecting the peripheral vascular system, peripheral arterial disease (PAD) has an elevated disability rate and seriously affects patients’ quality of life. Estimated pulse wave velocity (ePWV) is an alternative indicator of pulse wave velocity and is closely linked with atherosclerosis. However, the link between ePWV and PAD is unelucidated. Objectives This research was undertaken to dissect the linkage between ePWV and PAD. Methods This project enrolled 6250 participants in the NHANES between 1999 and 2004. The linkage between ePWV and PAD and its possible influencing factors were explored by constructing a weighted logistics regression model and subgroup analysis. In addition, the threshold effect analysis and restricted cubic spline (RCS) model were utilized to evaluate the non-linear link. Results The weighted logistic regression model demonstrated a great positive linkage between ePWV and PAD risk in the fully adjusted model (OR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.18–1.42, p < .001). There was a significant nonlinear link between ePWV and PAD. When ePWV was higher than 9.297, the risk of PAD increased significantly (OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.02–1.04, p < .001). No significant linkage was detected when the value was below this threshold. Additionally, the subgroup analysis further demonstrated that ePWV had a stronger positive link with PAD in the elderly population (age ≥60 years) and in people with BMI ≤30. Conclusion ePWV is an effective predictor of PAD risk especially in the elderly and non-obese population.