Pulse wave velocity (PWv) is defined as the velocity of the arterial pulse for moving along the vessel wall. Pulse wave velocity along the aorta was measured by using two ultrasound or pressure sensitive transducers fixed transcutaneously over the course of a pair of arteries separated by a known distance: the femoral and right common carotid arteries. PWV was calculated from measurements of pulse transit time and the distance, according to the following formula: PWV (m/s)= distance (m)/transit time (s). Measurement of PWV values was con-ducted after abstinence from caffeine or smoking and after an overnight fast without intake of antihypertensive drugs. PWV was determined by using the SphygmoCor CvMs V9 system and values > 7 m/s was defined as increased.