As aging progresses, why does arterial stiffness increase, even without significant plaque buildup?

💡 Explanation

Arterial stiffness increases with age due to collagen glycation, a process where glucose molecules bind to collagen fibers. This advanced glycation end-product (AGE) formation stiffens the arterial walls, because the collagen loses elasticity, therefore, increased stiffness results rather than vasodilation or elastin changes maintaining flexibility.

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