Results: Subjects with increased UA (defined as >6 mg/dl in , and >7 mg/dl in <) were older, had greater BMI, higher BP, glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides levels and lower HDL cholesterol and estimated glomerular filtration rate (e-GFR)(MDRD). Subjects with increased UA had also increased arterial stiffness (PWV: 11.1AE4.1 vs 13.3AE3.7 m/sec, p < 0.0001), and a slight, but statistically significant, increase in left ventricular mass index (LVMI) (38.7AE10.6 vs 43.0AE11gr/m2.7, p < 0.05) and IMT (Meanmax 1.1AE0.28 vs 1.2AE0.29 mm, p < 0.05). After adjusting for possible confounders, including also e-GFR, in a multivariable model, PWV was significantly greater in subjects with increased UA (11.1AE2.41 vs 13.4AE3.7 m/sec, p < 0.001), while no significant difference in LVMI and IMT was observed. A significant correlation between UA levels and, respectively, PWV (r ¼ 0.279, p < 0.001), LVMI (r ¼ 0.157, p < 0.001), meanmax IMT (r ¼ 0.159, p < 0.001) was observed. After adjusting for possible confounders in a multivariate model, serum UA levels were independently correlated to PWV, but not to LVMI and IMT.Conclusions: In a general population sample subjects with increased serum uric acid levels have increased arterial stiffness, but comparable left ventricular anatomy and carotid artery structure. The increase in arterial stiffness might contribute to the higher risk of cardiovascular events these observed in these subjects.
