Arterial Stiffness in Hypertension: an Update

Abstract

Purpose of review: To update and review novel insights into the mechanisms, measurements, and therapeutic approaches to arterial stiffness.

Recent findings: Arterial (e.g., vascular) stiffness has been shown over time to prognosticate for cardiovascular and kidney outcomes. In this context, there has been increased interest behind the mechanisms that drive arterial stiffness beyond aging and interest in how to apply newer technologies in measurement of arterial stiffness. Pulse wave velocity has been the gold standard for measurement but industry has been innovating to improve measurement with use of single-point PWV as well as pharmacologic approaches with anti-hypertensives and oral hypoglycemic agents. Emerging data on the role of the mineralocorticoid receptor, the endothelial sodium channel (EnNaC), and uric acid in arterial stiffness are promising a number of potential therapies. Newer techniques of measuring PWV for arterial stiffness and novel therapies may soon lead to better outcomes from hypertension complications.

Keywords: Arterial stiffness; Endothelial ENaC; Hypertension; Mineralocorticoid receptor; PWV; RAAS.