Early Vascular Aging in Obese Individuals with Low Cardiovascular Health

Introduction The American Heart Association updated the original recommendations for cardiovascular health (CVH) promotion, defining the Life's Essential 8 (L8). Aim the aim of this cross-sectional study was to compare vascular function, central hemodynamics and autonomic modulation in obese individuals with low and moderate CVH-L8. Methods Both sexes, aged 40-70 years and Body Mass Index >= 30 and < 40 kg/m(2), were submitted to anthropometric and biochemical evaluation, assessment of heart rate variability, endothelial function by flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) and central parameters by oscillometry. The CVH-L8 score was determined using the eight metrics defined in the new classification. Results Patients (n = 82) were divided according to CVH-L8 classification: moderate group (score CVH-L8 >= 50 <= 79 points, n = 47) and low group (score CVH-L8 <= 49 points, n = 35). Peripheral (119 +/- 10 vs 125 +/- 15 mmHg, p = 0.048) and central (111 +/- 10 vs 118 +/- 15 mmHg; p = 0.016) systolic blood pressures and pulse wave velocity (PWV) adequacy (- 0.08 +/- 0.34 vs 0.15 +/- 0.42 m/s, p = 0.008) were significantly higher in low CVH-L8 group. Brachial FMD (9.24 +/- 5.41 vs 6.79 +/- 4.74%, p = 0.043) were lower in this same group. Only in the low CVH-L8 group low frequency/high frequency (LF/HF) ratio was significantly correlated with PWV (r = 0.338, p = 0.047) and atherogenic index of plasma with Framingham risk score (r = 0.446, p = 0.008), even after adjustment for age and sex. Conclusion In this sample of obese individuals, low CVH-L8 was associated with higher peripheral and central blood pressures, and evidence of early vascular aging with arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction.