Artery transforming into a tree branch, symbolizing arterial stiffness and its connection to heart health.

Valve Calcifications: Are Your Arteries as Stiff as Your Joints?

Rhea Morgan in Health & Wellness November 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover the surprising link between aortic valve calcification and arterial stiffness, and what it means for your heart health. Uncover how stiff arteries might mirror stiff joints, impacting overall cardiovascular wellness."

As we age, we often think about joint stiffness, but what about artery stiffness? Recent research suggests a link between aortic valve calcification (AVC) and arterial stiffness, indicating that the health of your arteries might be more connected to other age-related conditions than you think. This article explores this connection, offering insights into how to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system.

Arterial stiffness is a condition where the arteries lose their elasticity, becoming rigid and less able to expand and contract with each heartbeat. This can lead to increased blood pressure and a higher risk of cardiovascular events. Aortic valve calcification, on the other hand, involves the hardening and thickening of the aortic valve due to calcium deposits. Both conditions are often seen in older adults and can significantly impact heart health.

The purpose of this article is to dive into the new findings about the relationship between arterial stiffness and aortic valve calcifications. By understanding this connection, individuals can take proactive steps to manage their cardiovascular health and improve their overall well-being. Keep reading to learn more about these conditions and how they affect your heart.

Unpacking the Arterial Stiffness and Aortic Valve Calcification Connection

Artery transforming into a tree branch, symbolizing arterial stiffness and its connection to heart health.

A study presented by Dimitrios Terentes-Printzios and colleagues at a medical conference investigated the relationship between aortic valve calcifications (AVC) and arterial stiffness. The researchers aimed to determine if there was an association between the two conditions, as both are known to independently predict adverse cardiovascular events. By understanding this connection, healthcare providers can better assess and manage cardiovascular risk in their patients.

The study involved fifty-two high-risk patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis who were undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI). The research team measured arterial stiffness using carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). Aortic hemodynamics were also assessed. The degree of aortic valve calcification was graded using cardiac computed tomography.

The study's key findings highlight several important points:

Patients with moderate to severe AVC had significantly higher cfPWV and baPWV values compared to those with none to mild AVC.
Traditional cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, and atrial fibrillation, were more prevalent in the group with moderate to severe AVC.
The research suggests that an increase in aortic stiffness is correlated with the damage of aortic valvular leaflets, as well as calcifications.

These results suggest that arterial stiffness is associated with the severity of aortic valve calcification. The study underscores the importance of assessing arterial stiffness in patients with aortic stenosis, as it may provide additional insights into their cardiovascular risk profile. This information can help guide treatment decisions and lifestyle modifications to improve patient outcomes. Further research is needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms driving this association.

What This Means for Your Heart

The link between arterial stiffness and aortic valve calcification reinforces the importance of maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking can all help reduce arterial stiffness and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. If you have concerns about your heart health, talk to your healthcare provider about screening for arterial stiffness and aortic valve calcification. Early detection and management can make a significant difference in your long-term health.

About this Article -

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Everything You Need To Know

What are arterial stiffness and aortic valve calcification, and how are they connected?

Arterial stiffness occurs when the arteries lose their elasticity, becoming rigid and less able to expand and contract with each heartbeat. This condition can increase blood pressure and elevate the risk of cardiovascular events. Aortic valve calcification involves the hardening and thickening of the aortic valve due to calcium deposits. Both conditions often occur in older adults and can significantly affect heart health. They are linked because increased aortic stiffness is correlated with damage to aortic valvular leaflets and calcifications.

What were the key findings of the study on aortic valve calcifications (AVC) and arterial stiffness?

The study led by Dimitrios Terentes-Printzios found that patients with moderate to severe aortic valve calcification had significantly higher carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) values compared to those with none to mild aortic valve calcification. This suggests a correlation between the severity of aortic valve calcification and arterial stiffness. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors like hypertension, coronary artery disease, and atrial fibrillation were also more prevalent in those with moderate to severe aortic valve calcification.

What can I do to maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle and reduce the risk of arterial stiffness and aortic valve calcification?

Maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle is crucial. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking can help reduce arterial stiffness and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. Early detection and management through screening for arterial stiffness and aortic valve calcification are essential for long-term health. Healthcare providers can guide treatment decisions and recommend lifestyle modifications to improve patient outcomes. Future research is still needed to fully understand the mechanisms driving this association.

How was arterial stiffness and aortic valve calcification measured in the study?

Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) were used to measure arterial stiffness. Cardiac computed tomography was used to grade the degree of aortic valve calcification. These measurements helped researchers determine the correlation between arterial stiffness and aortic valve calcification in patients undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI).

How does Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) relate to the study of aortic valve calcifications and arterial stiffness?

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) is a procedure for patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis. The study used TAVI patients to investigate the relationship between aortic valve calcifications (AVC) and arterial stiffness by measuring carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). This helped determine if the two conditions were associated, given their independent prediction of adverse cardiovascular events, thereby improving cardiovascular risk assessment and management in these patients.