Arterial elasticity

The arteries' ability to stretch and return to shape

Arterial elasticity is the ability of the large arteries to stretch when blood is ejected and then spring back. With age and disease they become stiffer — this is arterial stiffness.

Stiff vessels dampen the pulse wave less well, which raises pulse pressure and systolic pressure. Stiffness is measured by pulse wave velocity (PWV) — a recognized marker of vascular aging and cardiovascular risk.

Reference ranges

Assessed by pulse wave velocity (PWV, cfPWV, m/s) — the gold standard:

Healthy adults (average)	≈ 7 m/s
Increased stiffness	> 10 m/s
Increase with age	≈ 6–8% per decade
Risk	each +1 m/s ≈ +37% in all-cause mortality

Important: PWV is measured with special devices; in everyday life stiffness is judged indirectly from the rise in pulse and systolic pressure with age.

What an elevated level means

High arterial stiffness (PWV > 10 m/s) is a marker of vascular aging and an independent risk factor for heart attack, stroke and death from any cause. It reflects and accelerates atherosclerosis.

What raises stiffness: age, hypertension, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, physical inactivity, chronic inflammation.

What a low level means

High elasticity (low stiffness) of the vessels is good: a sign of "young", healthy arteries. In young and trained people the vessels are more elastic.

Elasticity is supported by regular aerobic exercise, blood-pressure control, not smoking, a healthy diet and a normal weight — the same prevention that protects the heart.

How the test is done

The direct method is measuring pulse wave velocity (PWV) between the carotid and femoral arteries; devices for home assessment of vascular age are also used.

Indirectly, stiffness is signalled by a rise in pulse pressure and by isolated systolic hypertension in older people.

What affects the value

Age — the main driver of rising stiffness.
Hypertension — accelerates stiffness (and vice versa).
Smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol — raise it.
Aerobic exercise — improves elasticity.
Salt and chronic inflammation — raise stiffness.
A healthy weight and diet — protect the vessels.

Estimate your vascular age

Arterial stiffness defines the vessels' "age" — assess it:

Vascular Age (ADVANT'AGE) Vascular age and 5-year cardiovascular risk from blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, and creatinine — the ADVANT'AGE model Open Vascular Age (FMD) Vascular age from endothelial function (%FMD), body composition, and biomarkers — the Everist VAC model Open

Frequently asked questions

What is pulse wave velocity (PWV)?

It is the speed at which the pulse wave travels along the arteries. The stiffer the vessels, the faster the wave — which is why PWV is regarded as the gold standard for assessing arterial stiffness. In healthy adults it is about 7 m/s, and values above 10 m/s indicate increased stiffness.

Can arterial elasticity be improved?

Yes, partly. Regular aerobic exercise, control of blood pressure and cholesterol, quitting smoking, cutting salt and a normal weight improve vessel function and slow the rise in stiffness. You cannot fully "rejuvenate" age-related changes, but you can slow them.

Why does arterial stiffness matter for longevity?

Stiff arteries increase the load on the heart and brain and speed up organ damage. Pulse wave velocity independently predicts heart attacks, strokes and all-cause mortality, which is why it is regarded as a marker of vascular aging.

Sources

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This content is educational and does not replace consultation with a physician. Reference ranges may vary depending on the laboratory and method — rely on the ranges stated on your own test report.

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