Biomarkers of Arterial Stiffness and Vascular Aging: Clinical Relevance in Cardiovascular Risk Models

Arterial stiffness is a hallmark of vascular aging and an independent predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This review examines biomarkers associated with arterial stiffening, including markers of endothelial dysfunction (e.g., endothelin-1, ADMA), extracellular matrix remodeling (e.g., MMPs, TIMPs, elastin fragments), inflammation (e.g., hs-CRP, IL-6), and oxidative stress (e.g., oxLDL, MPO). We evaluate their clinical utility in risk prediction models, early detection of subclinical vascular damage, and monitoring therapeutic interventions. Challenges in standardization and integration into clinical practice are discussed, along with future directions for personalized vascular medicine.