6. The structure and function of the carotid artery, aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) and systolic augmentation index will be assessed as measures of macrovascular function and structure. We will use ultrasound to measure the local properties of the common carotid artery. diameter, distension, and intima-media thickness will be measured and averaged over 3 cardiac cycles in recordings consisting of >4 consecutive beats. Distensibility (103/kPa), compliance (mm²/kPa) and Young's elastic modulus will be calculated. Local application tonometry will be performed (SpyghmoCor system). Measurements will be performed at carotid, radial and femoral arteries. The local arterial pulse wave will be recorded as well as carotid-to-femoral and carotid-to-radial PWV (cf- and cr-PWV). The carotid and radial augmentation indexes will be measured directly at the carotid and radial arteries and the aortic augmentation index will be calculated from the radial signal by the validated generalized transfer function [Richart et al., Seidlerova et al., Mischak et al.].Furthermore, we will implement ambulatory assessment of central hemodynamics, using the Mobil-O-Graph 24h PWA Monitor (IEM GmbH, Stolberg, Germany), a validated monitor for 24h blood pressure monitoring, including the ARCSolver application, which allows pulse wave analysis of the central blood pressure and measuring of aortic PWV [Luzardo et al.].