aCardiovascular Prevention & Research Unit, Clinic & Laboratory of Pathophysiology

bTherapeutic Clinic, Department of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens

cDepartment of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece

Correspondence to Athanase D. Protogerou, Professor, Cardiovascular Prevention & Research Unit, Clinic & Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Department of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street (Building 16, 3rd floor, room 8), 115 27 Athens, Greece. Tel: +30 210 746 2566; fax: +30 210 746 2566; e-mail: [email protected]

Abbreviations: ACE, angiotensin-converting enzyme; AF, atrial fibrillation history; Aix, augmentation index; ARB, angiotensin-II receptor blockers; ASA, aspirin; ASR, Athens Stroke Registry; baPWV, branchial-ankle pulse wave velocity; BP, blood pressure; CAD, coronary artery disease history; cfPWV, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity; CI, confidence interval; CV, cardiovascular; DM, diabetes mellitus; HR, hazard ratio; HTN, hypertension history; mRS, modified Rankin Scale; NIHSS, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale; PWRs, pressure wave reflections; TIA, Transient Ischemic Attack; TOAST, Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment criteria

Received 6 January, 2022

Revised 12 May, 2022

Accepted 12 June, 2022

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