Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026

Invasive Hemodynamic Characterization of the Portal-hypertensive Syndrome in Cirrhotic Rats
Published on: August 1, 2018
[Arterial hypertension in patients with coronary artery disease]
1Medizinische Klinik II, Campus Lübeck, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Ratzeburger Allee 160, Lübeck, Germany.
Insights
High blood pressure (hypertension) significantly increases coronary artery disease (CAD) risk, impairing heart function. Effective management involves lifestyle changes, medication, and targeting specific blood pressure goals for optimal cardiovascular outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Hypertension Research
- Cardiovascular Medicine
Context:
- Arterial hypertension is a primary risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD).
- Co-occurrence of hypertension and CAD leads to synergistic impairment of coronary microcirculation.
- This dysfunction is measurable via reduced coronary flow reserve and can cause myocardial damage.
Purpose:
- To highlight the significant link between hypertension and CAD.
- To emphasize the role of lifestyle modifications and pharmacological interventions in prevention and management.
- To discuss blood pressure targets in relation to CAD severity and cardiovascular endpoints.
Summary:
- Hypertension and CAD often coexist, worsening coronary microcirculatory function and leading to left ventricular damage.
- Lifestyle changes are crucial for primary and secondary prevention of CAD.
- Antihypertensive therapy, combined with aspirin and statins, is essential, with specific diastolic blood pressure goals (70-90 mmHg) linked to reduced cardiovascular risk.
Impact:
- Informs clinical practice regarding the management of patients with coexisting hypertension and CAD.
- Underscores the importance of personalized blood pressure targets based on CAD severity.
- Provides evidence for the J-shaped relationship between diastolic blood pressure and cardiovascular outcomes, guiding therapeutic strategies.
Abstract:
Arterial hypertension is the most important risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). There is a high coincidence of both diseases, whereby both impair coronary microcirculatory function synergistically, which can be measured functionally by decreased coronary flow reserve. This dysfunction leads to permanent damage to the left ventricular myocardium. Lifestyle changes play a central role in the primary and secondary prevention of CAD. Additionally, there are well-established options for antihypertensive drug therapy, which should be combined with aspirin and statins. Pharmacological treatment should follow distinctive blood pressure goals in relation to the severity of CAD. Particular attention is paid in this context to the relation between diastolic blood pressure values and cardiovascular endpoints, which displays a j-shaped curve with the lowest risk at levels between 70 and 90 mmHg.
Related Concept Videos
Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology
Hypertension II: Pathophysiology
Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure
Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations