Abstract: Objective To investigate the changes and risk factors of arterial stiffness in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases（NAFLD）. Methods A total of 2,382 healthy persons were enrolled for physical examination,and the NAFLD was diagnosed by ultrasound monitoring. Brachial ankle pulse wave velocity （baPWV）was determined by a domestic BP-203RPE III arterial stiffness detector,and the baPWV level≥1400 cm/s was arbitrarily believed as the increase of arterial stiffness. Risk factors of baPWV elevation were assessed by using logistic regression analysis. Results Overall,The prevalence of NAFLD was 39.3% among 2382 subjects,45.5% in 1595 men and 26.6% in 787 women,respectively;In individuals between 20 to 39 years old,the baPWV level was significantly higher in NAFLD group than in those without NAFLD[（1340.0±180.7） cm/s vs （1203.9±155.2） cm/s,P<0.001],and the increases baPWV rate was 31.4% vs. 10.5%（P<0.001）;In individuals between 40 to 59 years old,the baPWV was also significantly different between NAFLD patients and non-NAFLD subjects [（1437.1±232.6） cm/s vs.（1355.8±217.9） cm/s,P<0.001],and the increased baPWV rate was 50.1% vs. 33.1%（P<0.001）; However,such difference was not significant among 330 cases over 60 years old;In addition,the effect of NAFLD on baPWV increase was higher in female patients than in males;Logistic analysis showed that NAFLD,age,gender and serum total cholesterol levels were independent risk factors for baPWV increase in individuals with normal blood pressure. Conclusion The baPWV level is higher in individuals with NAFLD,especially in middle-aged ones. NAFLD is an independent risk factor for the baPWV elevation.

Key words: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, Arteriosclerosis, Vascular stiffness