Arterial Stiffness, Wave Reflections, and the Risk of Coronary Artery Disease
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Circulation.
2004; 109: 184-189
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Conclusions— AIx (augmentation index) and AP (Augmented pressure), noninvasively determined manifestations of arterial stiffening and increased wave reflections, are strong, independent risk markers for premature coronary artery disease.
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The growing prevalence and associated risk of arterial stiffness provide a major thrust to better understand the underlying molecular, cellular, and genetic causes and the resultant physiological impact of this condition. Elucidation of these mechanisms will aid in more specifically targeted therapeutic interventions because currently available antihypertensive medications fall short at increasing the compliance of the central arterial vessels. Reduction of arterial stiffness of these larger vessels will likely have a significant impact on morbidity and mortality of older adults, as well as diabetic subjects and those with chronic renal disease, and will likely improve quality of life in these populations.
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Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology.
2005; 25: 932-943
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