Effect of hypertension on viscoelasticity of large arteries in humans

Two traditional methodologic approaches, the analysis of the arterial pressure waveform in the time domain and the measurement of pulse wave velocity along the arterial tree, have been extensively used to determine the distensibility of large arteries in humans. They have shown that large artery walls are stiffened in the presence of hypertension. However, several methodologic limitations, especially the incapability of these methods to take into account the physiologic pressure-dependence of arterial distensibility, have led to the development of new approaches for characterizing more in depth the elastic and viscous properties of large arteries. The noninvasive recording of instantaneous pressure and diameter waveforms in superficial arteries (carotid or femoral) by means of tonometry and ultrasonography allows, via appropriate model of the arterial wall, determination of the pure elastic properties as well as the wall viscosity of the vessel. Using case (hypertensive)-control (normotensive) studies it has been found that elastic alteration (stiffening) was preferential in the femoral artery rather than in the carotid artery and that viscous alteration (increased wall viscosity) was relatively uniform in both arteries. This topographic dissociation between elastic and viscous responses of the arterial wall to hypertension suggests that the elastic alteration might be a local phenomena dependent on the singularities of the arterial system, whereas abnormal wall viscosity may reflect a more general influence of hypertension on large artery smooth muscle, the likely determinant factor of viscosity. Therefore, the elastic and viscous components of the arterial walls should be considered independently when assessing the development of hypertensive vascular change and its response to antihypertensive treatment.