Determination of normal β values via radio frequency echo-tracking technique in a healthy Central European population

The aim of our article is to report normal values of β stiffness parameter and pulse wave velocity (PWV) determined via radio frequency echo-tracking technique first in different age groups of a healthy Central European population in both gender. Values of PWV and β stiffness parameters increase normally during aging and in certain vascular diseases including atherosclerosis. Detection of significant deviation from the normal values provides opportunity to diagnose the early stage atherosclerosis before morphological changes become visible and while therapy is more efficient. Atherosclerosis is responsible great percentage of morbidity and mortality in western world population therefore the detection of these parameters could be important and useful in primary and secondary prevention.