How is arterial stiffness related to blood pressure?
Blood pressure is a symptom of underlying processes. The strength of each heart beat contributes to blood pressure. The resistance to the blood flow provided by the arteries is also an important determinant of blood pressure. When the large arteries are stiff, resistance is greater and blood pressure increases. Conversely, when arteries are soft, the heart does not need to work so hard to deliver blood to the rest of the body.