Arterial Stiffness and Blood Pressure Variability

Epidemiological evidence has indicated that the risk of cardiovascular complications associated with hypertension may not only depend on the magnitude of blood pressure elevation per se, but also, on the presence of increased blood pressure variability. Although the neurogenic influences to the peripheral vasculature and the heart are major determinants of blood pressure fluctuations (in particular in the short-term), evidence has also been provided that the degree of blood pressure variability is directly related to stiffness of large arteries, that is, known to be a strong and independent predictor of cardiovascular risk. The aim of this chapter is to critically review the evidence exploring the association between large artery stiffness and different components of blood pressure variability (BPV, i.e., short-term, mid-term, and long-term BPV) focusing on potential mechanisms underlying this relationship that is, alterations in carotid baroreflex and arterial mechanical properties.