Visceral adiposity index and cervical arterial atherosclerosis in northeast China: a population based cross‐sectional survey

Background and purpose The burden of cervical arterial atherosclerosis, which is an important risk factor of stroke, is huge in China. The visceral adiposity index (VAI) is a convenient index that is related to a series of metabolic abnormalities and a variety of diseases, including cerebrovascular diseases. This study aimed to explore the relationship between VAI and cervical arterial atherosclerosis. Methods This cross‐sectional study used the multistage stratified random cluster sampling method to acquire a representative sample of residents aged ≥40 in the general population of northeast China. All participants completed a detailed questionnaire and provided blood samples. Cervical vascular ultrasound was performed by experienced ultrasound doctors. VAI was calculated by a well‐established formula and analyzed by quartiles (Q1–Q4). Results A total of 3688 people aged ≥40 years who underwent cervical arterial ultrasound were finally included, amongst whom 3.2% had increased intima‐media thickness (IMT), 48.6% had carotid plaque and 4.0% had cervical artery stenosis (CAS). After adjusting for several parameters, little statistical significance was found between VAI and increased IMT; compared with the VAI‐Q1 group, the VAI‐Q2, VAI‐Q3 and VAI‐Q4 groups were more likely to have CAS [odds ratio (OR) 2.01, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.17–3.43; OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.05–3.15; OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.03–3.12] and the VAI‐Q3 and VAI‐Q4 groups were at greater risk of carotid plaque (OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.05–1.62; OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.07–1.67). Conclusions The VAI was related to carotid plaque and CAS in the general population that is older than 40 years.