The large arteries were once considered inert conduits, delivering oxygenated blood to peripheral tissues. However, large arteries have an important physiological role in buffering the cyclical changes in blood pressure (BP) resulting from intermittent ventricular ejection. With ageing and exposure to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, the large arteries stiffen, with adverse consequences for the major organs. Indeed, central (elastic) arterial stiffness is now recognized as key, indepen…