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Objective . Applanation tonometry for pulse‐wave analysis (PWA) and determination of pulse‐wave velocity (PWV) is a non‐invasive method for assessment of the central aortic pressure waveform and indices of arterial stiffness. The objective of this study was to examine the influence of eating and smoking on PWA and PWV measurements in order to establish standard examination conditions. Furthermore, intra‐ and interobserver reproducibility and the effects of varying the site of measurements were observed. Material and methods . Duplicate measurements of the radial pressure waveform and of the brachial and aortic PWV on the right and left side of the body were recorded in 23 healthy subjects by two trained observers. Measurements were performed in the fasting state and 3 h after a high‐calorie meal, and before and 1 h after smoking a cigarette. Results . Intake of a high‐calorie meal as well as smoking caused significant changes in both PWA and PWV parameters and an inter‐arm difference was observed. Intra‐ and interobserver reproducibility was good. Conclusions . Pulse‐wave measurements by applanation tonometry should be undertaken in the same arm during fasting and smoking abstinence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• High plasma dp-ucMGP is associated with several cardiovascular risk factors. • Dp-ucMGP could possibly be used as a biomarker of cardiovascular risk. • The strong association of dp-ucMGP with obesity deserves further investigation. Dephosphorylated uncarboxylated matrix Gla-protein (dp-ucMGP) is a biomarker of functional vitamin K status. High plasma dp-ucMGP concentrations reflect a low vitamin K status and have been related to vascular calcification. Our aims were to assess plasma levels of dp-ucMGP and their association with cardiovascular risk in a general population. Plasma dp-ucMGP measurements were performed using the IDS-iSYS Ina K tif MGP assay in 491 consecutive participants in a Danish general population study (229 males and 262 females, aged 19–71 years). Multivariable linear and logistic regressions were used to assess the association between dp-ucMGP levels and cardiovascular risk factors. Mean ± standard deviation (SD) for dp-ucMGP was 465 ± 181 pmol/L, and upper 95th percentile was 690 pmol/L. In logistic regression analyses, an increase in dp-ucMGP category (<300, 300–399, 400–499, ≥500 pmol/L) was positively associated with obesity, odds ratio (OR) 2.27 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.54–3.33), history of cardiovascular disease, OR 1.77 (CI 1.02–3.05), and above-median estimated pulse wave velocity (ePWV), OR 1.54 (CI 1.21–1.96), when adjusted for age, sex, and lifestyle factors. 1 SD increase in diastolic and systolic blood pressure (BP) corresponded to a 5.5% (CI 2.9–8.0%) and 4.7% (CI 2.1–7.4%) increase in dp-ucMGP, respectively, when adjusted for age and sex. Plasma dp-ucMGP levels were positively associated with obesity, BP, ePWV, and history of cardiovascular disease. These findings support that dp-ucMGP is a biomarker of cardiovascular risk, and that vitamin K status could play a role in vascular calcification. The strong association with obesity deserves further attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]