How Stiff Are Your Arteries? An Emerging Vital Sign for Determining Cardiovascular Disease Risk

Arterial stiffness is an indicator of cardiovascular risk and disease. This paper discusses the pathophysiology and specific measures of arterial stiffness (augmentation index and pulse wave velocity) and methods for determining arterial stiffness, including applanation tonography, pulse pressure, Ambulatory Arterial Stiffness Index, impedance cardiography, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging. As issues related to the utility of arterial stiffness in clinical practice (eg, standardization and validation) are resolved through research, primary care providers should recognize this emerging “vital sign” as an important cardiovascular assessment tool for their patients.