Evaluation of Arterial Stiffness by Echocardiography: Methodological Aspects
10.4068/cmj.2016.52.2.101
- Author:
Jae Yeong CHO
1
;
Kye Hun KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Research Institute of Medical Science, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea. christiankyehun@hanmail.net
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
Cardiovascular disease;
Vascular stiffness;
Echocardiographyx
- MeSH:
Arteries;
Arteriosclerosis;
Cardiovascular Diseases;
Echocardiography;
Hemodynamics;
Humans;
Pulse Wave Analysis;
Risk Factors;
Vascular Stiffness
- From:Chonnam Medical Journal
2016;52(2):101-106
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
As humans age, degenerative changes in the arterial structure gradually progress and result in the stiffening of the arteries, which is called arteriosclerosis. Arterial stiffness is now an established risk factor of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This stiffening has adverse effects for both the general population as well as for patients with CVD. Measurements of pulse wave velocity and pulse wave analysis are the two most commonly used methods in the evaluation of arterial stiffness, but these methods just allow indirect measures of arterial stiffness. Echocardiography is the most widely used imaging modality in the evaluation of cardiac structure and function and with recent technical advances, it has become possible to evaluate the structure, function and blood flow hemodynamics of the arteries using echocardiography. In the present review, we will discuss the current status of echocardiography in the evaluation of arterial stiffness, especially focusing on the methodological aspects.
