stiffness index

The stiffness index is a measure used to assess how flexible or rigid your arteries are. It indicates the overall health of your arterial walls; higher stiffness suggests less flexibility, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular problems like hypertension and stroke. This index is often calculated through non-invasive tests, such as pulse wave velocity measurements, where faster blood flow indicates stiffer arteries. Maintaining healthy arteries through lifestyle choices like exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking can help keep your stiffness index low, promoting better cardiovascular health.