Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 1, 2026

Measuring the Stiffness of Ex Vivo Mouse Aortas Using Atomic Force Microscopy
10:35

Measuring the Stiffness of Ex Vivo Mouse Aortas Using Atomic Force Microscopy

Published on: October 19, 2016

Arterial stiffness, pulse pressure, and cardiovascular disease-is it possible to break the vicious circle?

Michel E Safar1, Jacques Blacher, Piotr Jankowski

  • 1Université Paris Descartes, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Centre de Diagnostic et de Thérapeutique, Paris Cedex 04, France. michel.safar@htd.aphp.fr

Atherosclerosis
|May 31, 2011
PubMed

Insights

A novel "de-stiffening" strategy selectively lowers systolic blood pressure (SBP) in hypertension, reducing cardiovascular risk. This approach avoids concerns of the J-curve phenomenon, offering a safer alternative to traditional treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Vascular Medicine
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Hypertension significantly increases cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease risk, leading to major morbidity and mortality.
  • Reducing brachial systolic blood pressure (SBP) is key for cardiovascular risk reduction in hypertensive patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate a specific
  • de-stiffening
  • strategy for selective SBP reduction.
  • To assess the efficacy of this strategy in reducing central systolic and pulse pressures.
  • To explore the safety and attractiveness of this approach concerning the "J-curve" phenomenon.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing therapeutic protocols aimed at selective reduction of wave reflections and/or aortic stiffness.
  • Administering renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors, often combined with diuretics or calcium antagonists.
  • Evaluating protocols in randomized controlled trials, comparing outcomes against beta-blockers.

Main Results:

  • The "de-stiffening" strategy achieved selective SBP reduction independently of mean arterial pressure.
  • This approach effectively decreased central systolic and pulse pressures, key determinants of long-term outcomes.
  • Randomized trials demonstrated significant cardiovascular risk reduction compared to beta-blockers.

Conclusions:

  • The "de-stiffening" strategy offers an attractive method for selective SBP reduction in hypertension.
  • This approach mitigates risks associated with excessive diastolic blood pressure reduction (J-curve).
  • Evidence suggests superior cardiovascular risk reduction compared to beta-blocker therapies.

More Related Videos

Measuring the Carotid to Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity (Cf-PWV) to Evaluate Arterial Stiffness05:51

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

Published on: May 3, 2018

Related Concept Videos

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...
Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) predominantly results from atherosclerosis, which involves the accumulation of fatty deposits, or plaques, within the walls of arteries. This causes them to narrow and harden, significantly reducing blood flow. PAD predominantly affects the legs, particularly the arteries supplying the thighs and calves. In rare cases, it may involve other arteries, including those in the arms.Etiology of PAD:The principal cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, which results from fatty...
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 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 IV: Preventive Measures01:26

Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures

Effective preventive measures for coronary artery disease (CAD) focus on controlling modifiable risk factors, including cholesterol abnormalities and lifestyle changes.Cholesterol ManagementFirst, the Mediterranean diet and the American Heart Association advocate for maintaining low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 100 mg/dL, with a more stringent recommendation of below 70 mg/dL for individuals at high risk. LDL cholesterol, often termed "bad cholesterol," can lead to the...
Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care01:27

Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is characterized by narrowed arteries that diminish blood flow to the extremities. Effective management of PAD requires an interprofessional approach involving various healthcare professionals. The critical aspects of interprofessional care for PAD patients focus on risk factor modification, drug therapy, exercise therapy, nutrition therapy, critical limb ischemia care, and interventional radiology and surgical procedures.The primary treatment goal for PAD...