Influence of Different Risk Factors in Vascular Accelerated Aging (EVA Study)

Introduction: The process of population aging that is occurring in developed societies represents a major challenge for the health system. The aim of this study is to analyze factors that have an influence on early vascular aging (EVA), estimated by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV) and Cardio Ankle Vascular Index (CAVI), and to determine differences by gender in a Spanish population.

Methods and analysis: An observational, descriptive, cross sectional study.

Study Population: From the population assigned to the participating Health Care centers, a cluster random sampling stratified by age and gender will be performed to obtain 500 participants aged between 35 and 75. Those who meet the inclusion criteria and give written informed consent will be included in the study.

Measurements: Main dependent variables: cf-PWV determined using Sphigmo Cor System and CAVI estimated using VASERA. Secondary dependent variables: telomere length, carotid intima-media thickness, central and peripheral augmentation index, ankle-brachial pulse wave velocity, ankle-brachial index, retinal arteriovenous index, and renal and cardiac organ damage. Independent variables: Lifestyles (physical activity, adherence to mediterranean diet, alcohol and tobacco consumption); psychological factors (depression, anxiety, and chronic stress); inflammatory factors and oxidative stress.

Ethics and dissemination: The study has been approved by the clinical research ethics committee of the healthcare area of Salamanca. All study participants will sign an informed consent to agree to participate in the study in compliance with the Declaration of Helsinki and the WHO standards for observational studies. The results of this study will allow the understanding of the relationship of the different influencing factors and their relative weight in the development of EVA. At least five publications in first-quartile scientific journals are planned.