Current methods for measurement of arterial stiffness

Abstract

Increased arterial stiffness is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Measuring this parameter in clinical practice is controversial.

Authors of this article bring review of current methods for measuring this parameter, but also for other haemodynamic parameters such as central aortic blood pressure and augmentation index. We discuss these topics and their pathophysiological context.

Keywords

• Arterial hypertension
• Arterial stiffness
• Atherosclerosis
• Augmentation index
• Central aortic blood pressure
• Damping function
• Pulse wave
• PWV