The vascular phenotypes in hypertension: Relation with the natural history of hypertension

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Vascular Biology
• Hypertension Research

Background:

• Hypertension presents with a spectrum of vascular phenotypes, encompassing clinical, structural, mechanical, functional, cellular, and molecular aspects.
• These phenotypes are crucial for understanding the natural history and progression of hypertension, from pre-hypertension to various forms like diastolic and systolic hypertension.

Purpose of the Study:

• To emphasize the structural, mechanical, functional, cellular, and signaling changes in vascular phenotypes associated with human hypertension.
• To explore the vascular underpinnings of hypertension evolution and their role in the prevalence of different hypertension types.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature and cohort studies focusing on vascular phenotypes in hypertension.
• Analysis of structural, mechanical, functional, cellular, and molecular alterations in the vasculature of hypertensive individuals.

Main Results:

• Hypertension is characterized by diverse vascular phenotypes, including alterations in structure, mechanics, cell biology, and signaling pathways.
• The progression of hypertension from pre-hypertension to distinct clinical types is associated with specific vascular remodeling patterns.

Conclusions:

• Vascular phenotypes provide critical insights into the pathogenesis and progression of hypertension.
• Targeting therapies to modulate vascular remodeling holds potential for preventing the transition from pre-hypertension to established hypertension.