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Arterial Stiffness

Meaning

Arterial stiffness describes the loss of elasticity and compliance in the arterial walls, a critical physiological change that increases with chronological aging and cardiovascular disease. This condition reflects the reduced ability of major arteries to expand and recoil in response to the heart’s pulsatile blood flow. It is a significant and independent predictor of future cardiovascular events, including stroke and myocardial infarction. Assessing arterial stiffness, often via pulse wave velocity, offers valuable insight into vascular health beyond standard blood pressure readings.