[Arterial stiffness and blood levels of glycation end-products in patients with arterial hypertension and carotid atherosclerosis].

Combination of arterial hypertension (AH) and carotid atherosclerosis significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular complications. Arterial stiffness is believed to be a key risk factor of the development of such complications. This paper described peculiarities of this condition, methods for its assessment in patients with AH and carotid atherosclerosis, and importance of characteristics of regional and local stiffness for estimation of cardiovascular risks. The role of glycation end-products in damaging arterial walls and triggering pathogenetic mechanisms of atherosclerosis is discussed.