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Arterial distensibility in cardiovascular diseases

G Mancia1, C Giannattasio, G Grassi

  • 1Cattedra di Medicina Interna, Università di Milano, Ospedale S. Gerardo, Monza, Italy.

Journal of Nephrology
|February 27, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Arterial stiffness and compliance changes are key in cardiovascular diseases like hypertension and diabetes. Understanding these vascular function alterations helps in managing heart conditions and drug treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Physiology
  • Vascular Mechanics

Background:

  • Cardiovascular diseases often involve impaired arterial viscoelastic properties.
  • Arterial distensibility and compliance are crucial for cardiovascular homeostasis.
  • These properties influence arterial impedance, cardiac afterload, and myocardial oxygen consumption.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in assessing arterial compliance in humans.
  • To examine alterations in arterial compliance in hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, and heart failure.
  • To discuss potential mechanisms and drug effects on these vascular changes.

Main Methods:

  • Review of technical progress in arterial compliance assessment.
  • Examination of pathophysiological alterations in specific cardiovascular conditions.
  • Discussion of underlying mechanisms and pharmacological interventions.

Main Results:

  • Pathological conditions significantly alter arterial distensibility and compliance.
  • These alterations have direct implications on cardiovascular homeostatic control.
  • Various cardiovascular drugs may impact these altered vascular functions.

Conclusions:

  • Dysfunctional arterial viscoelasticity is a hallmark of several cardiovascular pathologies.
  • Understanding these changes is vital for effective disease management and treatment.
  • Further research into mechanisms and drug effects is warranted.

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