What is the Origin of Arterial Elastance?

The term is rooted in cardiovascular physiology and hemodynamics, combining the anatomical structure "arterial" with the mechanical property "elastance." Elastance itself is a physics concept, defined as the tendency of a structure to recoil to its original shape upon removal of a deforming force. Clinical cardiology adopted this term to quantify the pathological stiffening observed in conditions like hypertension and atherosclerosis.

What is the Mechanism of Arterial Elastance?

Increased arterial elastance is driven by structural changes in the arterial wall, including the accumulation of collagen, degradation of elastin fibers, and calcification. Hormonal factors, such as declining estrogen levels in post-menopausal women, contribute to this stiffening by altering endothelial function and the synthesis of extracellular matrix components. This reduced elasticity impairs the dampening of pulsatile flow, increasing systolic blood pressure and placing chronic strain on the heart muscle.

Arterial Elastance ∞ Area

Arterial Elastance

Meaning

Arterial elastance is a physiological measure quantifying the stiffness or rigidity of the arterial walls, reflecting the pressure change required to induce a specific change in arterial volume. It is essentially the inverse of arterial compliance, indicating the arteries’ reduced ability to stretch and recoil in response to the heart’s ejection of blood. High arterial elastance is a significant clinical marker of cardiovascular aging and increased afterload on the left ventricle. Monitoring this parameter is crucial for assessing vascular health and predicting potential cardiovascular events.