Validation of an early vascular aging construct model for comprehensive cardiovascular risk assessment using external risk indicators for improved clinical utility: data from the EVasCu study

Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain a major global health concern, necessitating advanced risk assessment beyond traditional factors. Early vascular aging (EVA), characterized by accelerated vascular changes, has gained importance in cardiovascular risk assessment. Methods: The EVasCu study in Spain examined 390 healthy participants using noninvasive measurements. A construct of four variables (Pulse Pressure, Pulse Wave Velocity, Glycated Hemoglobin, Advanced Glycation End Products) was used for clustering. K-means clustering with principal component analysis revealed two clusters, healthy vascular aging (HVA) and early vascular aging (EVA). External validation variables included sociodemographic, adiposity, glycemic, inflammatory, lipid profile, vascular, and blood pressure factors. Results: EVA cluster participants were older and exhibited higher adiposity, poorer glycemic control, dyslipidemia, altered vascular properties, and higher blood pressure. Significant differences were observed for age, smoking status, body mass index, waist circumference, fat percentage, glucose, insulin, C-reactive protein, diabetes prevalence, lipid profiles, arterial stiffness, and blood pressure levels. These findings demonstrate the association between traditional cardiovascular risk factors and EVA. Conclusions: This study validates a clustering model for EVA and highlights its association with established risk factors. EVA assessment can be integrated into clinical practice, allowing early intervention and personalized cardiovascular risk management.