Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 3, 2026

Measuring the Carotid to Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity (Cf-PWV) to Evaluate Arterial Stiffness
05:51

Measuring the Carotid to Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity (Cf-PWV) to Evaluate Arterial Stiffness

Published on: May 3, 2018

[Arterial hypertension and cardiovascular risk. Epidemiological studies, trials and therapeutic implications]

M Iannetti1, A Vallebona, S Caponnetto

  • 1Dipartimento di Medicina Interna, Università degli Studi di Genova.

Minerva Cardioangiologica
|October 1, 1991
PubMed

Insights

High blood pressure increases cardiac events and stroke risk. While hypertension treatment reduces overall cardiovascular risk, its impact on coronary heart disease is less clear, necessitating new therapeutic strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Epidemiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Epidemiological studies, like the Framingham study, link arterial blood pressure to cardiac events and stroke risk.
  • Hypertension's impact on cardiovascular risk is debated due to mixed trial results.
  • Antihypertensive therapy shows success in reducing overall cardiovascular risk but less so for coronary heart disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the relationship between blood pressure levels and cardiovascular risk.
  • To discuss explanations for the disappointing results of antihypertensive therapy on coronary heart disease.
  • To suggest future directions for hypertension management and drug selection.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of epidemiological observational studies.
  • Review of therapeutic intervention trials for hypertension.
  • Discussion of potential explanations for suboptimal outcomes in coronary heart disease reduction.

Main Results:

  • Elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressure are strongly associated with increased risk of cardiac events and strokes.
  • Antihypertensive interventions have been effective in reducing overall cardiovascular risk.
  • Coronary heart disease risk reduction has shown disappointing results in some trials.

Conclusions:

  • Blood pressure control is crucial for reducing cardiac events and stroke.
  • Inconsistencies in trial results may stem from inadequate blood pressure reduction or adverse effects of certain antihypertensive drugs (diuretics, beta-blockers) on lipid profiles.
  • Future research should focus on rigorous blood pressure monitoring and the selection of agents like calcium-channel blockers and ACE-inhibitors for improved coronary heart disease outcomes.

More Related Videos

Invasive Hemodynamic Monitoring of Aortic and Pulmonary Artery Hemodynamics in a Large Animal Model of ARDS08:12

Invasive Hemodynamic Monitoring of Aortic and Pulmonary Artery Hemodynamics in a Large Animal Model of ARDS

Published on: November 26, 2018

Hydra, a Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Cardiovascular Analysis and Diagnosis07:51

Hydra, a Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Cardiovascular Analysis and Diagnosis

Published on: September 26, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure01:18

Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure

Hypertension, the most common cardiovascular disease, is diagnosed through repeated measurements of elevated blood pressure. Its risks, including damage to the kidney, heart, and brain, are directly proportional to blood pressure levels. Starting from 115/75 mm Hg, the risk of cardiovascular disease doubles with each increment of 20/10 mm Hg. The diagnosis relies on blood pressure measurements, not on patient symptoms, as hypertension is often asymptomatic until end-organ damage is imminent or...
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
Hypertension II: Pathophysiology01:29

Hypertension II: Pathophysiology

Hypertension is a chronic condition in which the blood's force against artery walls is excessively high, posing risks such as heart disease. The condition's underlying mechanisms involve complex interactions among the cardiovascular, kidney, and autonomic nervous systems.Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS): This system significantly influences blood pressure regulation. When blood pressure decreases, the kidneys secrete renin. This enzyme transforms angiotensinogen, a plasma protein,...
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:30

Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Hypertension is asymptomatic and also referred to as the "silent killer" until it progresses to a severe stage or causes target organ disease. Patients may experience symptoms stemming from the strain on blood vessels and tissues in various organs or the heart's increased workload.Physical exams might show no abnormalities other than high blood pressure. Signs of vascular damage, when present, correspond to the organs supplied by the affected vessels, leading to target organ damage. For...
Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder that leads to the thickening and narrowing of arterial walls due to plaque buildup. This condition can cause various symptoms depending on the arteries affected:Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This condition affects the coronary arteries and may lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath (dyspnea), heart attacks, and other heart disease symptoms.Cerebrovascular Disease: This affects blood flow to the brain, causing transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)...
Atherosclerosis III: Management01:26

Atherosclerosis III: Management

Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...