A high VCAM-1 level with hyperthyroidism was an independent risk factor for a low ABI value after adjustments for age, BMI, heart rate, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and eGFR (regression coefficient = − 0.050, 95% CI between − 0.080 and − 0.019; P = 0.001, Table 3). The gene discussed is VCAM1; the disease is hyperthyroidism.