Vascular Aging: Association between Endothelial Function and Arterial Stiffness

Abstract

Endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness are independent risk factors for cardiovascular disease. However, the relationship between these vascular parameters is not well understood during healthy aging. The purpose of this study was to determine: 1) age‐related differences in endothelial function and arterial stiffness and 2) the interrelationship between endothelial function and arterial stiffness across the lifespan from young to older adults.Methods48 healthy subjects aged between 22–78 years underwent the measurements of brachial artery flow mediated dilation (FMD) and central and peripheral pulse wave velocities (PWV).ResultsFMD, measured as percent change from baseline to maximal dilatation, was inversely correlated with age (r=−0.75, P<0.001). In addition, there was a positive association between age and the time to reach peak vasodilation after cuff release (r=0.39, P<0.01). Aortic PWV exhibited a positive association with age (r=0.63, P<0.001) and was correlated inversely with FMD (r=−0.40, p=0.004).ConclusionsEndothelial dysfunction and increases in central arterial stiffness are correlated with advancing age. Moreover, the observed inverse relationship between endothelial dysfunction and increases in arterial stiffness suggests the presence of common underlying mechanisms for changes in vascular function with aging.