Arterial Elasticity (Arterial Stiffness Index)

Elastic arteries are a characteristic of a healthy vascular system. Modern, noninvasive measurement of arterial elasticity measures the extent of atherosclerosis (arteriosclerosis, hardening of the arteries).Several million people in Germany have changes in the arteries (arteries) and do not know it. Determination of the brachial artery “arterial stiffness index” (ASI) has been shown to correlate with the extent of coronary atherosclerosis (vascular calcification of the coronary arteries).

Indications (areas of application)

Risk assessment for:

  • Myocardial infarction (heart attack).
  • Apoplexy (stroke)

The procedure

CardioVision* determines the arterial stiffness index (ASI) as well as blood pressure, pulse and blood pressure amplitude oscillometrically, outwardly similar to the well-known machine blood pressure measurement, although here the cuff pressure is lowered in a pulse rate-controlled manner. The most important part of the measurement consists of the behavior of the artery according to the mean arterial pressure (internal pressure = external pressure) when the blood dilates the artery during systole. This is where the loss of flexibility of the artery is determined. The lower the ASI value, the more elastic and therefore healthier the arterial vascular system. It is normal if the ASI value ± 10 corresponds to the age.From the ASI measurement in combination with the parameters of the Framingham risk analysis with the CardioVision* , a scientifically recognized screening examination is available. Thus, the personal risk of myocardial infarction and apoplexy can be estimated for everyone. These two secondary diseases of atherosclerosis must be the focus of everyone’s efforts to live a long and healthy life.

Benefit

Through this measurement, the condition of your arterial system is displayed and incipient or even advanced atherosclerosis can be treated earlier. Furthermore, based on the Framingham risk analysis, your personal percentage risk of heart attack is determined, assuming constant parameters.The physician will create an individual prevention and treatment plan based on the ASI measurement, the Framingham risk analysis and other information. This includes, in addition to infusions, measures of vital substance medicine (prevention and therapy with micronutrients), drug therapy and, if necessary, other special therapy procedures for the patient.

* CardioVision is a medical device from Vital-Age Meditech, Aachen, Germany.