[Measurement of arterial stiffness and its clinical value]

Noninvasive method of assessment of arterial stiffness by means of measurement of velocity of pulse wave propagation in presented in the review. Mechanical properties of arterial wall and pathogenesis of arterial remodeling are described. Correlation of pulse wave velocity with some clinical, laboratory and other parameters is shown. Studies demonstrating clinical significance, prognostic value of the method, possible indications for the given investigation are also presented. Most part of works has been devoted to the study of arterial stiffness in hypertension, ischemic heart disease, atherosclerosis, diabetes. Elevation of arterial stiffness is associated with increases of number of vascular events, cardiovascular and total mortality. This association is most pronounced in elderly and senile persons. Thus the method allows to detect additional risk group in population. The review contains data on comparative analysis of efficacy of different groups of drugs in relation to arterial stiffness, possible mechanisms of influence effect. It is concluded that measurement of arterial stiffness is indicated in states, accompanied with changes of arterial properties, for assessment of dynamics of the process, efficacy of therapy and prognosis.