[Transcutaneous measurements of age conditioned changes in the elasticity of the human common carotid artery].

Measurements of common carotid arterial wall properties were done in a group of 36 test persons who were clinically free of arteriosclerosis obliterans. The patients were divided into three groups according to the age: 18-33, 36-52 and 56-72 years. Diameter and changes in diameter were measured using an ultrasonic echo-tracking system. Arterial pulse pressure simultaneously was determined by the auscultatory method. The deduced parameters of visco-elastic arterial wall property as distensibility, volume-eleastic modulus and pulse wave velocity indicate that arteries become stiffer with the age. The volume-elastic-modulus specially shows a numerical increase of 100% according to the age. An interpretation based on morphological investigations as well as the possibility using non-invasive methods to recognize an early manifestation of arteriosclerosis are discussed.