Abstract

We explored how dietary behaviors (sucrose, fructose, sodium, and potassium consumption) and endured psychological stress in young adult males and females impact the vascular aging index (VAI) and CVD risk by mid-life. Data were obtained from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study, an ongoing longitudinal study. The included participants (n = 2656) had undergone carotid artery ultrasound at year 20 allowing VAIs to be calculated. Demographics, dietary data, and depression scores were obtained at baseline and year 20 of follow-up. Regression analyses were used to assess the predictors of VAI. Cox regression analyses were conducted to assess the risk of CVD, stroke, and all-cause mortality. Predictors of vascular aging were found to be sex-specific. In females, depression scores at baseline were positively associated with VAI (B-weight = 0.063, <i>p</i> = 0.015). In males, sodium intake at year 20 positively predicted VAI (B-weight = 0.145, <i>p</i> = 0.003) and potassium intake inversely predicted VAI (B-weight = -0.160, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001). BMI significantly predicted CVD, stroke, and death. Fructose consumption at year 20 was a significant predictor of CVD risk while having high blood pressure at baseline was significantly associated with stroke risk. Our findings support the promotion of nutrient-specific behavior changes to prevent vascular aging in early adulthood and CVD risk in mid-life.