ARTERIAL STIFFNESS Meaning and
Definition
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Arterial stiffness refers to a medical condition characterized by a loss of elasticity and flexibility in the walls of the arteries. Arteries are the blood vessels responsible for carrying oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. These vessels are normally elastic, allowing them to expand and contract to accommodate the flow of blood and maintain proper blood pressure.
However, with arterial stiffness, the arteries become stiff, rigid, and less able to stretch and rebound, leading to a compromised ability to deliver blood to various body tissues and organs. This condition is often associated with aging, as the natural process of aging can cause a gradual loss of artery elasticity.
Arterial stiffness is often a result of the buildup of plaque, cholesterol, and other substances on the arterial walls, narrowing the arteries and reducing their ability to expand. This can lead to various cardiovascular problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, heart attack, stroke, and even kidney problems.
Arterial stiffness can be measured using various techniques, such as pulse wave velocity (PWV), in which the speed of the pulse wave traveling through the arteries is assessed. An increase in PWV indicates increased arterial stiffness.
Treatment and management of arterial stiffness often involve lifestyle modifications, such as adopting a healthy diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and managing stress. Medications may also be prescribed to control blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to prevent complications associated with arterial stiffness and maintain overall cardiovascular health.
Etymology of ARTERIAL STIFFNESS
The word "arterial stiffness" can be broken down into two parts: "arterial" and "stiffness".
The term "arterial" originates from the Latin word "arteria", which means "windpipe" or "artery". In ancient Greek, the term "ἀρτηρία" (artēria) referred specifically to the blood vessels conveying blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Over time, the word "artery" came to represent any of the muscular and elastic vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart.
The term "stiffness" comes from the Old English word "stiff", which means rigid or inflexible. It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "stifaz", meaning "inflexible" or "rigid".
