Background: There is conflicting evidence about the arterial stiffening process with age. Although differences according sex have been described in the CV system (heart, emodynamics, IMT etc) little was described about arterial stiffening according sex and age simultaneously.

Objective: To analyze arterial stiffness parameters as Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV), pulse pressure (PP) and augmentation index (Aix) in central and peripheral arteries according sex and age in large series of p. in primary CV prevention.

Methods: We evaluated 3523 p. without CV history, who underwent a complete vascular non invasive assessment including PWV, PP and Aix (using Complior and Arteriograph devices).The data were compared according age (deciles) and sex.

Results: BP was higher in males than in women from 20 y.o until 50's.

PWV was significantly higher in males than in females at every age.

PP in central aorta and peripheral vessels was higher in males until 50's and then raised in women.PP Ao began to be higher at this age in females than peripheral PP. (see table)

Aix were higher in women, and the negative value of peripheral augmentation shifted to positive in women at 40's.In men the rise of central pressures and the positive turn of the peripheral augmention index occured late in 60's.

Conclusion: Several explanations to these phenomena can be considered, but: a)Increased PWV and PP in men b) a higher central aortic PP in women and c) early peripheral arterial stiffening in females should be taken into account when tailoring antihypertensive treatment according sex and age.

Comparison of main data according sex