What Is Arterial Stiffness?
Arterial stiffness is the loss of flexibility and elasticity in the arteries. Healthy arteries expand and contract with each heartbeat, helping blood flow efficiently throughout the body. As arteries become stiffer, the heart must work harder to pump blood, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Arterial stiffness often develops gradually with aging but may occur earlier due to certain health conditions and lifestyle factors.
Why Arterial Stiffness Matters
Stiffer arteries increase the workload on the heart and may contribute to high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and heart failure. Managing risk factors can help slow progression and protect cardiovascular health.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
- Aging
- High blood pressure
- Atherosclerosis
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Chronic kidney disease
Possible Symptoms
Arterial stiffness usually causes no symptoms in its early stages. As cardiovascular disease develops, symptoms may include:
- High blood pressure
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Reduced exercise tolerance
- Symptoms related to heart or vascular disease
How Is Arterial Stiffness Diagnosed?
Healthcare providers evaluate arterial stiffness using blood pressure measurements, pulse wave velocity testing, vascular ultrasound, imaging studies, and assessments of cardiovascular risk factors.
How Is Arterial Stiffness Treated?
Treatment focuses on controlling blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and other cardiovascular risk factors through lifestyle changes, medications, regular exercise, healthy nutrition, and smoking cessation.
How Home Care Can Help
Home care professionals encourage medication adherence, monitor blood pressure, support healthy eating, promote safe physical activity, reinforce smoking cessation efforts, and help individuals manage chronic conditions that affect blood vessel health.
Home Care Tip
Regular physical activity and a heart-healthy diet can help improve overall cardiovascular health and may slow the progression of arterial stiffness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arterial Stiffness
Is arterial stiffness the same as atherosclerosis?
No. Arterial stiffness refers to reduced elasticity of the arteries, while atherosclerosis involves plaque buildup inside the artery walls. The two conditions often occur together.
Can arterial stiffness be improved?
Although some age-related changes cannot be reversed, healthy lifestyle habits and treatment of underlying conditions can improve vascular health and reduce cardiovascular risk.
Can home care help people with arterial stiffness?
Yes. Home care professionals support medication management, blood pressure monitoring, healthy lifestyle habits, and long-term cardiovascular care.
When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider
Contact your healthcare provider if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, worsening chest pain, shortness of breath, or symptoms of cardiovascular disease.