Preface; Contents; Chapter 1: Overview of Arterial Stiffness; What Is Arterial Stiffness?; Pathophysiology of Arterial Stiffness; Aortic Function and Physiology; Implications Throughout the Arterial Tree; Large Elastic Arteries; Muscular (Small and Medium) Arteries and Arterioles; Aspects of Arterial Stiffness; Functional Changes; Structural Changes; Assessing Arterial Stiffness in Adults; Pulse Wave Velocity; Pulse Wave Analysis to Assess Central Hemodynamic Parameters; Central Pulse Pressure; Augmentation Index (AIx); Intima-Media Thickness (IMT)

Pathophysiological Role of Arterial Stiffness in CVDIncrease in SBP, Central Pulse Pressure and Left Ventricle Afterload; Decrease in Coronary Perfusion Pressure; Summary; References; Chapter 2: Mechanisms of Arterial Stiffness; Introduction; Functional Changes Contributing to Arterial Stiffness; Blood Pressure; Impaired Smooth Muscle Function; Impaired Endothelium-Dependent Dilation; Structural Changes Contributing to Arterial Stiffness; Gross Morphological Changes; Compositional Changes; Collagen; Elastin; Advanced Glycation End-Products (AGEs); Calcium; Cellular Changes

Signaling MechanismsOxidative Stress; Inflammation; Nitric Oxide (NO); Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1 (TGF-β1); Advanced Glycation End-Products (AGEs); Summary; References; Chapter 3: Implications of Arterial Stiffness; Arterial Stiffness as a Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Biomarker; Epidemiology; Aging; Sex; Race; Body Composition; Habitual Exercise Training; Cardiorespiratory Fitness; Strength Training; Target Organ Damage; The Heart; The Brain; The Kidneys; Summary; References; Chapter 4: Interventions to Destiffen Arteries; Arterial Stiffness Overview

Nutraceuticals and Functional FoodsPolyphenolic Compounds; Flavonoids; Isoflavones; Pigments (Anthocyanins and Betalains); Omega-3 Fatty Acids; Micronutrients; Sodium Restriction; Antioxidant Vitamins (C and E); Chronic Exercise Training; Lifestyle Modifications; Weight Loss; Summary; References; Index