Measuring early vascular aging in youth: an expert consensus document from the Youth Vascular Consortium

Abstract

Since the conceptualization of early vascular aging (EVA) in2008, significant efforts have been made to develop andimprove its assessment. Initially lead by the investigation ofarterial stiffness through pulse wave velocity (PWV), severaladditional vascular aging biomarkers have gainedprominence in recent years. Despite expanding literatureaddressing methodological concerns associated with thesebiomarkers in youth, a standardized approach for clinicalevaluation of EVA remains elusive, leaving pertinent gapsin understanding the optimal methodology. This article,resulting from international consensus efforts from theYouth Vascular Consortium, aims to provide an updatedoverview of methods available to measure EVA in youthand to discuss challenges in translating these methods intoclinical practice.