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[Current physiopathological concerns in arterial hypertension]
B M Pannier1, G M London, S Laurent
1Centre de recherche sur l'hypertension artérielle, hôpital Broussais, Paris.
Insights
Hypertension causes functional and structural cardiovascular changes, impacting the heart and blood vessels. Advanced monitoring and computer analysis improve understanding of arterial health and guide hypertension treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular physiology
- Hypertension research
- Medical technology
Abstract:
The changes of the cardiovascular system observed in hypertension are, on the one hand, functional (neurohumoral), and on the other hand, structural (cardiac and vascular hypertrophy). They affect the whole of the cardiovascular system (heart, arteries, arterioles, veins). Clinical studies using non-invasive methods suggest a close interaction between the heart and large arteries, independent of the degree of peripheral arteriolar constriction. Our understanding of the value of the mean arterial pressure which may damage target organs has been improved by automatic ambulatory blood pressure recordings over the 24 hour period. Finally, recent technological developments based on sophisticated computer systems have contributed to our appreciation of parameters of arterial distensibility, so giving a better understanding of arterial physiopathology in hypertension and helping orientate the choice of therapeutic strategy.