In unadjusted linear regression analyses evaluating ΔAIx, ΔaPWV, ΔsBP and ΔdBP as dependent variables in relation to AUC inflammation (ESR, CRP) and change in c-IMT, CP height, inflammation, rheumatic disease activity, LDL-c, BMI and lifestyle parameters did not reveal statistically significant correlations (S3 Table). This evidence concerns the gene CRP and rheumatic disorder.