| Outcome Measures: |
Primary: Aortic stiffness evaluated by pulse wave velocity (PWV) (Sphygmocor ® ), Parameter measured in meters per second., 12 months | Secondary: Carotid stiffness evaluated by high resolution echotracking system (Art-lab®)., Parameter measured as the difference in millimeters in carotid artery diameter between systole and diastole., 12 months|Endothelial function evaluated by Endo-PAT2000® system, Parameter measured as the reactive hyperemia index as calculated by the Endo-PAT2000® system software., 12 months|Aortic valve calcification obtained from echocardiography., Parameter measured using a semi-quantitative scoring system based on scale of 1-4 as described by Rosenhek et al, New England Journal of Medicine 2000;343 (9):611. 1-no calcification, 2-mildly calcified (small isolated spots), 3-moderately calcified (multiple larger spots), 4-heavily calcified (extensive thickening and calcification of all cusps)., 12 months|Calcification of the aorta obtained by plain lateral radiography., Parameter measured using a semi-quantitative scoring system based on a scale of 0-3 as described by Kauppila et al, Atherosclerosis 1997;132:245. 0-no calcification, 1-small scattered calcific deposits filling less than 1/3 of the longitudinal wall of the aorta, 2-one third or more, but less than two thirds of the longitudinal wall of the aorta calcified, 3-two thirds or more of the longitudinal wall of the aorta calcified., 12 months|Bone mineral density, Osteodensitometry of the lumbar spine, hip, and distal radius, using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and reported in grams per square centimeter., 12 months|Parathyroid hormone levels, Measurement of parathyroid hormone levels using a commercially available intact parathyroid hormone ELISA kit with values reported in ng/L., 12 months
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