For many years, much of the pioneering research on aortic function was
carried out by a small group of investigators frequently working away
from the clinical environment in the research laboratory. The evaluation
of aortic function using aortic pulse wave velocity, aortic
distensibility, or other practical indices had yet to reach clinical
threshold. It was necessary for the clinicians to take over and to apply
these indices to the clinic. In this Odyssey, the work by the basic
scientist was important to define the fundamental mechanisms of aortic
function; however, it was the vision of the clinical investigator who
recognized the importance of aortic function and introduced it into
clinical practice. In the near future, the clinical investigator will
introduce aortic function in daily clinical practice as the measurement
of left ventricular function is used today. A close collaboration
between the clinical and the basic investigator will be necessary in
order to define the molecular mechanisms related to aortic wall
synthesis and degradation of collagen and elastin. Application of these
findings by the clinical investigator may help to delay or prevent
aortic dysfunction related to aging or other conditions and diseases.
Copyright (c) 2012 S. Karger AG, Base