Vascular compliance in hypertension: therapeutic implications

One of three adults and more than 7 of 10 older persons in the United States have hypertension. Of those receiving antihypertensive medication, more than 40% have inadequate blood-pressure control. The predominant subtype of hypertension among older adults is isolated systolic hypertension, which results from stiffening of the wall of the aorta due to various factors, including loss and fragmentation of elastin, increased collagen synthesis, endothelial dysfunction, and higher levels of inflammatory cytokines. Analysis of the peripheral pulse waveform has become widely used as a surrogate marker of central aortic stiffness and a predictor of future cardiovascular disease events. It is a matter of debate whether increased pulse pressure in older adults results primarily from stiffening of the aortic wall and premature reflected pressure waves from peripheral arteries or increased forward pressure waves from a reduced aortic diameter. Anti-stiffening strategies depend on lifestyle changes and pharmacotherapy.