This book presents the current thinking of international experts regarding the underlying mechanisms of cardiovascular risk as well as the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of impaired large arterial stiffness and reduced large arterial distensibility. It also demonstrates the rationale for the present approach to the management and treatment of hypertensive diseases and atherosclerosis. The targeted readership includes basic scientists in vascular physiology as well as physicians and scientists in cardiovascular medicine, diabetes mellitus and renal diseases.