Aortic Stiffness: Review of Life Course, Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Relevant Biomarkers

Abstract

Stiffening of the aorta, as measured by an increase pulse wave velocity has been implicated as a predictor of worsened cardiovascular outcomes and mortality in both general community and high-risk conditions such as diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, hypertension, post-myocardial infarction and chronic inflammatory disease. In fact, quantification of aortic stiffness by measuring the carotid-femoral PWV was proposed as an accepted ‘gold standard’ to risk-stratify patients in the management of hypertension. It has also been demonstrated to be a valuable independent predictor of cardiovascular risk. This review discusses the life-course, epidemiology, risk factors and biomarkers related to aortic stiffness.