Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of mortality in Malaysia as well as in other
countries. It is associated with many risk factors, such as increasing age, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia,
oxidative stress and autonomic dysfunction and arterial stiffness. The objectives of this study were to measure
the prevalence of arterial stiffness and to assess its association with dyslipidemia. Methods: A cross sectional
study was conducted in a rural community in Malaysia involving 146 subjects. Data were collected using an
interviewer administered questionnaire which included three sections – sociodemographic characteristics,
personal profile, and past medical history. In addition, Seca Body Meter (Seca 220) was used to measure height
and weight. Sphygmomanometer (OMRON Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor HEM 907) and SphygmoCor-AtCor
MM3 SERIAL/RS-232 were used for blood pressure and augmentation index (AIx) measurement. Data were
analysed using the SPSS for Windows, Version 18.0. Results: The mean age of respondents was 49.5 years,
SD±15.6. The prevalence of arterial stiffness was 23.3% (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 16.44 – 30.16). The
prevalence of dyslipidemia was 82.9% (95% CI: 76.79 – 89.01). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that
total cholesterol was significantly associated with arterial stiffness (OR=4.56, CI 1.10-18.90). Conclusion: The
prevalence of dyslipidemia was high. Despite an insignificant association between dyslipidemia and AIx, there is
a significant association between TC level and AIx.