Association between cardiometabolic index and biological ageing among adults: a population-based study

Abstract

Background Cardiovascular health (CVH) is closely associated with ageing. This study aimed to investigate the association between cardiometabolic index (CMI), a novel indicator of cardiometabolic status, and biological ageing. Methods Cross-sectional data were obtained from participants with comprehensive CMI and biological age data in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2011 to 2018. Biological age acceleration (BioAgeAccel) was calculated as an ageing index using eight biomarkers. Weighted multivariable regression, sensitivity analysis, and smoothing curve fitting were performed to explore the independent association between CMI and the acceleration of biological age. Subgroup and interaction analyses were performed to investigate whether this association was consistent across populations. Results In 4282 subjects ≥ 20 years of age, there was a positive relationship between CMI and biological age. Each unit increase in CMI was associated with a 16% increase in biological age acceleration [1.16 (1.02, 1.31)] in the fully adjusted models. The participants in the highest CMI quartile had a 149% higher BioAgeAccel [2.49 (2.15, 2.83)] than those in the lowest CMI quartile. In stratified studies, the positive correlation between CMI and biological age acceleration remained consistent across strata. This positive correlation was stronger in female populations. Conclusions CMI is positively correlated with biological ageing in adults in the United States. Encouraging lower CMI levels may be advantageous in alleviating ageing.