ARTERIAL WALL STIFFNESS IN CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

Abstract

Korotkow's blood pressure level is a relatively inaccurate predictor of cardiovascular events, requiring the introduction of new diagnostic methods. In recent years, assessment of the effect on arterial stiffness has become a very important characteristic of the efficacy of antihypertensive drugs.The assessment of stiffness (central aortic pressure, augmentation index and pulse wave velocity) contributes to a better definition of cardiovascular risk and is a criterion for target organ damage and the effectiveness of antihypertensive therapy. In particular, a pulse wave velocity greater than 12 m/s is a significant risk factor. Significant reductions in stiffness have been observed to a greater extent with combination therapy, predominantly for the combination of calcium antagonists and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers.