[Arterial stiffness: parameters, methods of assessment and methodological difficulties].

Arterial stiffness has been shown to be an independent marker of morbidity and cardiovascular mortality in multiple prospective studies of various populations. The purpose of this review is to present different parameters of arterial stiffness (compliance; distensibility; elastic modulus; pulse wave velocity; wave reflection), and to discuss existing difficulties of their application. Means of evaluation of various types of arterial stiffness and principles of their use are also described. Arterial stiffness is not a static but dynamic characteristic, thus prior to its evaluation it is necessary to standardize both the state of a patient and methodology of measurements. Diagnostic value of noninvasive methods of assessment of arterial stiffness is similar to that of invasive techniques, therefore stress can be made on less traumatic investigation of vascular properties.