Methods of arterial stiffness measurement

Development of arterial stiffness is a consequence of genetic predisposition to pathomorphological changes in arterial wall structure which result in disturbances of basic functions especially of great vessels and can lead to cardiovascular disease. Early detection of arterial elasticity loss is very important for estimation of the risk of severe cardiovascular events. Assessment of arterial stiffness with validated methods can be also very useful in clinical practice to initiate therapeutic strategies which can delay its progression or even start some regression of arterial stiffness. In the article we present different techniques of arterial stiffiness measurement and their position, based on actual research and published recommendation.