['Previous studies have demonstrated a prognostic role of large artery stiffness in hypertensive subjects and increased stiffness in subjects with coronary artery disease. Although plasma cholesterol is an established risk factor for cardiovascular disease, its relationship with large artery properties in a hypertensive population is unclear.', 'Plasma cholesterol and large artery properties were measured at baseline in a subset of participants of a randomized controlled trial (ANBP2) evaluating hypertension treatment in older (65 to 84 years) subjects. Noninvasive measures of large artery behavior were central augmentation index (AI), systemic arterial compliance (SAC), and transverse expansion of the aortic arch (aortic distensibility). Arterial waveforms acceptable for analysis were obtained in approximately 80% of cases yielding valid measurements of AI in 868, SAC in 846, and aortic distensibility in 680 subjects. Mean total and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) concentrations were 5.5+/-1.0 and 1.4+/-0.5 mmol L(-1). Total and HDL cholesterol and AI were greater in females than males, whereas SAC and aortic distensibility were greater in males. In multiple regression analyses there were no significant associations between stiffness parameters and total or HDL cholesterol. Significant independent associations in such analyses were found for mean arterial blood pressure, gender, age, height, and heart rate, in keeping with previous findings.'] Is large artery stiffness related to plasma cholesterol in older subjects with hypertension?