The Combined Effect of Hypertension and Smoking on Arterial Stiffness

Arterial stiffness plays a critical role in the function of the cardiovascular system as it represents the coupling of the left ventricle and arterial tree. Increased arterial stiffness is associated with a number of cardiovascular complications. Increased stiffness occurs with age and with the development of chronic conditions (e.g., hypertension) and the presence of vascular risk factors (e.g., smoking). Measuring arterial stiffness is …