[Current state and perspective of studies on hypertensive complications]

Studies on cardiovascular complications in hypertensive patients have been extensively progressed in basic and clinical researches. The molecular mechanism of sensing system of mechanical stress have not been fully understood. Rho/Rho kinase and oxidative stress are molecules activated by stretch and are highly possible to contribute to cardiovascular complications. One of clinical progress in this area is the development and wide distribution of noninvasive diagnostic devices for atherosclerosis. Some of these devices are used as an surrogate markers in large scale randomized clinical trials. Currently, new therapeutic targets and strategies have been investigated and tailored medicine using pharmacogenetics is expected in the near future to manage hypertensive complications.