Aortic Stiffness Assessment in Patients With Arterial Hypertension and Obesity

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death in most developed countries. Morphological and functional status of large arteries plays an important role in the pathogenesis of CVD. At the moment, there are two main methods of aortic stiffness assessment: pulse wave velocity (PWV) measurement and central PW analysis. In advanced age, aortic stiffness increases, which manifests in increased PWV, elevated central blood pressure, and increased parameters of reflected PW. Similar changes can be observed in young patients with arterial hypertension. The existing evidence concerning obesity effects on aortic stiffness is contradictory and warrants further clarification.