C. Antza, G. Κotronis, S. Papakatsika, S. Stambouli, V. Kotsis
Abstract
Hypertension is a well-known risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Arterial stiffness is a target organ damage of hypertension. However the role of arterial stiffness as an independent cardiovascular risk factor has been suggested by the results of observational studies. The aims of the present review are to describe the methods of blood pressure measument and estimation of arterial stiffness, as well as their possible associations. Moreover, the pathophysiological insights and the clinical significance of arterial stiffness as a risk factor for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease is discussed.
Keywords: Blood pressure, Arterial stiffness, Atherosclerosis, Cardiovascular disease