Arterial stiffness is now firmly established as an important and independent predictor of cardiovascular risk. The structural and functional changes of the large arteries may be age-related, but a number of conditions have been associated with accelerated arterial stiffening including the hypertensive diseases, atherosclerosis, end-stage renal disease, and traditional cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes mellitus and smoking. This book presents the current thinking of international experts regarding the underlying mechanisms of cardiovascular risk, and the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of large arterial stiffness and reduced large arterial distensibility. It not only gives new insights into the relationship between arterial stiffness and atherosclerosis, but also establishes the possible interactions with age and other cardiovascular factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes and hyperlipidemia. Finally, the therapeutic means of approaching arterial stiffness are analyzed in detail and new perspectives for the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases are developed. Authoritative and up-to-date, this book is a valuable resource for basic scientists interested in vascular physiology and pathophysiology, for clinicians in the areas of cardiology, diabetes and renal diseases, as well as for investigators in drug development.