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Objectives: to evaluate arterial stiffness in hypertensive patients and to identify predictors of increased arterial stiffness. Method: 798 hypertensives identified in SEPHAR II survey were evaluated by BP and arterial stiffness measurements: aortic puls weave velocity (PWVao) and aortic augmentation index (AIXao), and a study questionnaire.Values above the 75th percentile of mean SBP' standard deviation (s.d.) defined increased SBP variability. Log(TG/HDL-cholesterol) defined atherogenic index of plasma (AIP). Results: Mean values of studied parameters were: PWVao-10.19±2.22m/s, AIXao - 39.17±16.59%, BP- 149.96±20.94/89.18±11.54, PP-60.99±17.95 mmHg, HR-73.75±10.89 bpm and SBP's.d -7.73±8.6 mmHg (24.9% of subjects with increased SBP variability), SUA-5.48±1.47 mg/dl and AIP - 0.38±0.34. Factors associated with both increased PWVao and AIXao values were: age group, visceral obesity, increased SUA and AIP levels, presence of at least 1 form of TOD and the lack of BP control. While DM, dislipidemias, increased SBP's variability, microalbuminuria and atrial fibrilation were associated only with increased PWVao, ischemic heart disease and stroke history was associated only with increased AIXao levels. Conclusions: Age above 60 years, visceral obesity, dislipidemia, increased SBP variability, SUA and AIP levels, the lack of optimal BP control and the presence of TOD may be considered as predictors of an increased arterial stiffness in hypertensive patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]