Vascular Biomarkers and the Detection of Early Vascular Aging

Insights into Subclinical Changes

Fast Fact

90%

By the age of 55, approximately 90% of individuals exhibit some degree of arterial stiffening, a key marker of vascular aging.

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Early Vascular Aging Elevates the Risk of Cardiovascular Events

Arterial stiffness is a hallmark of Early Vascular Aging (EVA), reflecting the reduced elasticity and increased rigidity of the arterial walls. This condition is pivotal in the development of cardiovascular diseases, as it leads to impaired blood flow and increased workload on the heart.

By elevating central blood pressure and altering the timing of blood flow, arterial stiffness can contribute to the early onset of hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy, and a higher risk of coronary artery disease, stroke, and heart failure.

Research Highlights

"Pulse wave velocity is an established marker of early vascular aging but may also help identifying individuals with supernormal vascular aging."
Rosa Maria Bruno, Peter M. Nilsson, Gunnar Engström. et. al.
Hypertension

Evaluate Arterial Stiffness to Reveal Vascular Aging

The assessment of arterial stiffness through vascular biomarkers including Central Blood Pressure (CBP), Augmentation Index (AIx), Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV) provides critical insights into the vascular aging process.

These biomarkers enable the early detection of EVA, allowing for timely interventions that can slow the progression of vascular aging, improve cardiovascular outcomes, and enhance the overall quality of life.

Through targeted lifestyle modifications and pharmacological treatments aimed at reducing arterial stiffness, healthcare professionals can effectively combat the detrimental effects of EVA and extend healthspan in affected individuals.

Vascular Biomarkers Explained

Vascular biomarkers are revolutionizing not only cardiovascular health management but also clinical research and personal wellness strategies.

These critical indicators offer a comprehensive evaluation of the cardiovascular system's health across a broad spectrum, from clinical trials to individual health monitoring. By assessing key markers such as endothelial function, arterial stiffness, and coronary flow reserve, they enable a nuanced understanding of cardiovascular risks and conditions.

This valuable insight facilitates early intervention, personalized health optimization, and the development of targeted treatments in clinical settings, significantly advancing patient care and wellness initiatives.

Brachial Blood Pressure

What it Is
Brachial blood pressure measures the pressure of blood at the brachial artery using a blood pressure cuff.

Why it Matters
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, both of which are leading causes of death in the US.

Central Blood Pressure

What it Is
Calculated using pulse wave analysis and a traditional brachial cuff, central blood pressure measures pressure at the root of the aorta.

Why it Matters
Central blood pressure reflects key vascular issues such as arterial stiffness, which makes it a more accurate predictor of subclinical cardiovascular disease than traditional brachial blood pressure alone.

Subendocardial Viability Ratio

What it Is
Subendocardial viability ratio measures the supply of blood that flows to your inner heart muscle in relation to demand.

Why it Matters
SEVR offers insight into how well a person’s heart can handle the stress of exercise.

Augmentation Pressure

What it Is
Augmentation pressure refers to the increase in central aortic pressure caused pressure wave reflection.

Why it Matters
A marker of arterial stiffness, elevated augmentation pressure is associated with cardiovascular risk factors as well as increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

Augmentation Index

What it Is
An indirect measure of arterial stiffness that increases with age, augmentation index reflects the burden stiff arteries place on the heart.

Why it Matters
Chronic stress on the heart and the cardiovascular system can lead to heart failure and hypertrophy (enlarged heart).

Central Pulse Pressure

What it Is
The height of pressure at the heart, central pulse pressure shows the pressure to which key organs like the heart, brain, and kidneys are exposed.

Why it Matters
Central pulse pressure helps identify the risk of end organ damage to key organs like the brain, kidney and heart.

Medical Grade Heart Rate

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Pulse Wave Velocity

What it Is
Pulse wave velocity measures arterial stiffness.

Why it Matters
Increases in arterial stiffness are generally based on the loss of elasticity in the aorta artery walls over time and increases the strain on the heart from heightened pressures. Increased aortic stiffness using PWV is a validated predictor of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality.

Hover over each biomarker above to learn more

Clinical Utilities of Arterial Stiffness Assessments Beyond EVA

Identifying Subclinical Changes

Early vascular aging often progresses silently until it manifests as a cardiovascular event.

Arterial stiffness assessments can detect subclinical vascular changes before clinical symptoms appear, enabling early intervention. Through regular monitoring, healthcare providers can track the progression of vascular aging, even when physical symptoms are not evident.

Stratifying
Risk of Disease Onset

Vascular biomarkers facilitate personalized assessments to guide clinical decision-making.

Elevated measures of specific biomarkers can indicate a heightened risk for early vascular aging and related diseases that affect vital organs such as the heart, kidneys, and brain, enabling early interventions that can slow or mitigate disease progression.

Enhancing Preventive Strategies

Vascular phenotyping underpins the development of tailored preventive strategies.

Different biomarkers shed light on various aspects of vascular health, such as arterial stiffness, endothelial function, and coronary flow reserve. Vascular biomarkers can be utilized in crafting personalized lifestyle and pharmacological interventions to slow arterial stiffening.

Facilitating Research and Development

Vascular biomarkers are instrumental in advancing medication & therapy development.

Phenotyping with vascular biomarkers enables researchers to quickly assess a treatment's effects on arterial stiffness, thus speeding up the exploration of its causes, the mechanisms of early vascular aging, and identification of new therapeutic targets.