**6. Conclusions**

ECD is a vast, interesting, and shallow subject shortly explored by the scientific community, therefore, the actual information about this topic is very limited. Further clinical and molecular research should be addressed for a better understanding of the entire implications of these pathways in clinical and molecular investigations.

Moreover, current equipment for addressing clinical non-invasive parameters of arterial stiffness is emerging and earning a relevant place in cardiovascular risk assessment, therefore, these tools are already being incorporated in several international medical guidelines as an important parameter to consider.
