Expert consensus document on arterial stiffness: methodological issues and clinical applications

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Biomedical Engineering
• Vascular Physiology

Background:

• Arterial stiffness is a significant risk factor in cardiovascular disease (CVD) pathogenesis.
• Clinical assessment increasingly incorporates arterial stiffness measurements.
• Existing literature presents methodological challenges in arterial stiffness assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a practical overview of arterial stiffness measurement methodologies.
• To address difficulties faced by clinicians and researchers in selecting appropriate methods.
• To summarize key findings from the European Network for Non-invasive Investigation of Large Arteries meetings.

Main Methods:

• Review of proceedings from European Network for Non-invasive Investigation of Large Arteries meetings.
• Synthesis of information on various arterial stiffness indices.
• Discussion of methodological aspects and clinical applications.

Main Results:

• Identification of common challenges in arterial stiffness assessment.
• Clarification of the roles of different arterial stiffness indices.
• Overview of current clinical applications.

Conclusions:

• Standardized methodologies are needed for reliable arterial stiffness assessment.
• Understanding methodological nuances is key for accurate clinical application.
• Further research and consensus are required to optimize arterial stiffness evaluation.