An operational definition of SHATS (Systemic Hemodynamic Atherosclerotic Syndrome): Role of arterial stiffness and blood pressure variability in elderly hypertensive subjects

SHATS, the simultaneous damage of multiple target organs, may easily operationally defined. Very stiff artery and BP variability represent key factors for SHATS. The present results support the hypothesis of SHATS as a systemic condition, needing further characterization.