Volume 5, Issue 10 , Pages 745-751, November 2009
How Stiff Are Your Arteries? An Emerging Vital Sign for Determining Cardiovascular Disease Risk
Abstract
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.
Keywords: arterial stiffness , cardiovascular risk , hypertension , pulse wave analysis , pulse wave velocity
In compliance with national ethical guidelines, the authors report no relationships with business or industry that would pose a conflict of interest.
PII: S1555-4155(09)00475-9
doi:10.1016/j.nurpra.2009.08.018
© 2009 American College of Nurse Practitioners. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Volume 5, Issue 10 , Pages 745-751, November 2009
