Arterial Stiffness

Abstract

The large arteries were once considered inert conduits, simply delivering oxygenated blood to the peripheral circulation and tissues. However, it is now widely recognized that large arteries have an important physiological role in buffering the cyclic changes in blood pressure resulting from intermittent ventricular ejection. With arterial stiffening, this buffering function is attenuated, predisposing to the development of a number of adverse clinical consequences including isolated systolic hypertension and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. There is now widespread availability of non-invasive devices that can be used readily in clinical and research settings. This chapter will review the basic principles of arterial stiffness, including mechanisms, clinical consequences and how it can be assessed.