Atherosclerosis Large Arteries and Cardiovascular Risk

New perspectives for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular events

Arterial stiffness is now firmly established as an important and independent predictor of cardiovascular risk. The
structural and functional changes of the large arteries may be age-related, but a number of conditions have been
associated with accelerated arterial stiffening including the hypertensive diseases, atherosclerosis, end-stage renal
disease, and traditional cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes mellitus and smoking.
This book presents the current thinking of international experts regarding the underlying mechanisms of cardiovascular
risk, and the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of large arterial stiffness and reduced large arterial distensibility.
It not only gives new insights into the relationship between arterial stiffness and atherosclerosis, but also
establishes the possible interactions with age and other cardiovascular factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes
and hyperlipidemia. Finally, the therapeutic means of approaching arterial stiffness are analyzed in detail and new
perspectives for the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases are developed.
Authoritative and up-to-date, this book is a valuable resource for basic scientists interested in vascular physiology
and pathophysiology, for clinicians in the areas of cardiology, diabetes and renal diseases, as well as for
investigators in drug development.