The cardio ankle vascular index (CAVI) is a new index of the overall stiffness of the artery from the origin of the aorta to the ankle. This index can estimate the risk of atherosclerosis in the future. The arterial stiffness estimated using CAVI in healthy subjects increases linearly with aging, and is higher in men than in women. CAVI is associated with carotid and coronary atherosclerosis. The CAVI method is a useful tool to screen people with moderate to advanced levels of atherosclerosis.