The cardiovascular investigations were performed at the Department of Physiology, Linköping University Hospital and at County Hospital Ryhov, Jönköping, Sweden. The patients were subjected to cardiac ultrasonography for calculation of left ventricular mass and ejection fraction as well as diastolic cardiac function. Measurement of the carotid, femoral and radial pulse pressure wave form is performed by aid of tonometry, with pressure wave analysis and calculation of central blood pressure. Furthermore, pulse wave velocity in both central elastic and muscular peripheral arteries is defined as an index of arterial wall stiffness. The intima-media thickness (IMT) and the lumen diameter (LD) of the carotid arteries were evaluated using a B-mode ultrasound.