What is the Origin of Vascular Compliance Metrics?

The concept stems from cardiovascular physiology and biophysics, recognizing that the mechanical properties of arteries are crucial for efficient blood circulation. Its integration into longevity and cognitive health is based on the neurovascular coupling hypothesis, which links arterial stiffness to reduced perfusion and increased microvascular damage in the brain. These metrics provide a quantifiable measure of biological vascular age.

What is the Mechanism of Vascular Compliance Metrics?

Compliance metrics assess the arterial system's ability to expand and recoil in response to the pressure wave generated by the heart. As the arterial wall stiffens due to factors like chronic inflammation, glycation, and reduced nitric oxide bioavailability, the pulse wave travels faster, increasing PWV. This reduced elasticity leads to increased pulsatile stress on delicate microvasculature, particularly in the brain, impairing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients and accelerating cognitive decline.

Vascular Compliance Metrics ∞ Area

Vascular Compliance Metrics

Meaning

These are objective, non-invasive clinical measurements used to assess the elasticity and flexibility of the arterial walls, reflecting the health of the circulatory system. Key metrics include Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV) and Augmentation Index (AIx). Decreased vascular compliance is a hallmark of arterial stiffness, a significant predictor of cardiovascular risk and a major contributor to age-related cognitive decline due to impaired cerebral blood flow.