Applications of arterial stiffness markers in peripherarterial disease

Abstract

Arterial stiffness has been analyzed in many different population groups with the objective of identifying cardiovascurisk early and performing specific therapeutic interventions. Increased arterial stiffness affects the capacity of the aoand elastic arteries to adapt to pressure variations during the cardiac cycle. The main markers of arterial stiffness are puwave velocity (PWV), augmentation index (AIx) and central aortic pressure. They can be measured noninvasively. Patienwith coronary disease or on hemodialysis who have elevated PWV or AIx have increased mortality. The associatiwith peripheral arterial disease has been studied little. The objective of this review is to demonstrate the applicabiland utility of assessing measures of arterial stiffness in patients with peripheral arterial disease.