Aging of the Arterial System

Aging of the vascular system is associated with deep changes of the structural proprieties of the arterial wall. Arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disease are the major determinants for the loss of elasticity and reduced compliance of vascular wall. Arterial stiffness is a key parameter for assessing the elasticity of the arterial wall and can be easily evaluated with non-invasive methods, such as pulse wave velocity. Early assessment of vessel stiffness is critical because its alteration can precede clinical manifestation of cardiovascular disease. Although there is no specific pharmacological target for arterial stiffness, the treatment of its risk factors helps to improve the elasticity of the arterial wall.