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Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Non-invasive Assessment of Microvascular and Endothelial Function
Published on: January 29, 2013
[Arterial hypertension: macrocirculation and microcirculation]
A Dabiri Askari1, F Feihl, B Waeber
1Division physiopathologie clinique, CHUV, 1011 Lausanne.
Insights
Hypertension causes changes in both large and small blood vessels, which can lead to organ damage. This review focuses on these vascular structural changes and their role in disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Pathophysiology
Context:
- Hypertension is a prevalent condition associated with significant morbidity and mortality.
- Understanding vascular structural adaptations is crucial for managing hypertensive complications.
Purpose:
- To review the structural changes in macrovascular and microvascular systems associated with hypertension.
- To discuss the contribution of these vascular alterations to end-organ damage.
Summary:
- Hypertension induces significant structural remodeling in both large arteries and small arterioles.
- These vascular changes, at macro and micro levels, are interconnected and contribute to organ damage.
- The review focuses on vascular structure, excluding the pathogenesis of arteriosclerosis.
Impact:
- Provides a concise overview of hypertension-induced vascular changes.
- Highlights the importance of macro- and microvascular interactions in hypertensive organ damage.
- Serves as a foundational resource for researchers and clinicians in cardiovascular medicine.
Abstract:
The aim of the present report is to outline, in concise from, the changes in vascular structure which accompany hypertension. Consideration will be given to their potential contribution to hypertensive end organ damage. In so doing, it is important to consider both the macrovascular and microvascular levels, because interactions between them are presently believed to be critically important. The links between hypertension and the pathogenesis of arteriosclerosis fall outside the scope of this short review.
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