Arterial stiffness occurs as a consequence of age
and arteriosclerosis. Age related stiffness occurs when the elastic fibres
within the arterial wall (elastin) begin to fray due to mechanical
stress. The two leading causes of death in the developed world, myocardial
infarction and stroke, are both a direct consequence of
atherosclerosis. Increased arterial stiffness is associated with an increased
risk of cardiovascular events.
When the heart contracts it generates a pulse or
energy wave that travels through the circulation. The speed of travel of this
pulse wave (pulse wave velocity or PWV) is related to the stiffness of the
arteries.
(PWV) is a measure of arterial stiffness. It is
easy to measure invasively and non-invasively in humans, is highly reproducible, has
a strong correlation with cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality, and
was recognized by the European Society of Hypertension as integral to
the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension.
(Wikipedia Encyclopedia)