Concept of vascular age: New tool in cardiovascular risk assessment

Increasing interest to the problems of vascular ageing and need in novel parameters reflecting impact of this process on cardiovascular risk have led to the development of a concept of vascular age. Vascular age reflects cardiovascular risk. It is thought to improve cardiovascular risk prediction models and may contribute to a better understanding of cardiovascular risk, especially in young patients. The review summarizes the current knowledge on the definition, assessment and clinical significance of vascular age.