Arterial Stiffness and Physical Activity

Cardiovascular diseases are still the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Current research indicates that arterial stiffness is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and represents a potential target for personalized prevention and therapeutic approaches. Physical activity is a low-cost intervention for vascular prevention via pleiotropic mechanisms (e.g., reduced systemic inflammation, improved endothelial function, reduced arterial stiffness). In this clinical review we (i) highlight the clinical significance of arterial stiffness, (ii) recap current measurement methods, (iii) summarize the current evidence of the effects of physical activity on arterial stiffness and (iv) outline future directions for arterial stiffness research in sports medicine. Key Words: Prevention, Exercise, Vascular Aging, Cardiovascular Disease, Intervention, Inflammation, Cardiology