Pathophysiological Mechanisms and Correlates of Therapeutic Pharmacological Interventions in Essential Arterial

Francesco Maranta1, Roberto Spoladore1, Gabriele Fragasso2

  • 1Clinical Cardiology, Heart Failure Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.

Insights

Treating arterial hypertension requires managing comorbidities. Antihypertensive drugs should address blood pressure and improve metabolic conditions like diabetes and lipid disorders.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Arterial hypertension (HT) management is complex due to frequent comorbidities and metabolic abnormalities in patients.
  • Choosing antihypertensive medications necessitates considering their impact beyond blood pressure, including effects on metabolic health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review pathophysiological mechanisms in essential HT.
  • To analyze pharmacological interventions for HT, focusing on comorbid conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of pathophysiological mechanisms in essential HT.
  • Analysis of therapeutic pharmacological interventions and their ancillary effects.

Main Results:

  • Hypertensive patients often present with glucose intolerance, lipid disorders, atherosclerosis, and endothelial dysfunction.
  • Drug selection must avoid negative interference with these conditions and ideally offer improvement.

Conclusions:

  • Effective HT treatment involves addressing underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and comorbidities.
  • Pharmacological choices should prioritize agents that positively impact metabolic and vascular health in hypertensive patients.

Related Concept Videos

Heart Failure Drugs: Inhibitors of Renin-Angiotensin System01:26

Heart Failure Drugs: Inhibitors of Renin-Angiotensin System

The activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) contributes to cardiac remodeling, and inhibiting the RAAS is a pharmacological target in heart failure management. As a result, neurohumoral modulation is a crucial treatment principle for managing heart failure. This approach involves using medications like ACE inhibitors (ACEIs), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), β-blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs), and neutral...
1.3K
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,...
1.3K
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...
4.6K
Atherosclerosis III: Management01:26

Atherosclerosis III: Management

Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
541
Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers01:30

Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers

In the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, a hormone called angiotensin II plays a crucial role. It binds to the AT1 receptors in vascular smooth muscles coupled with Gq proteins. The activation of these receptors activates an enzyme called phospholipase C, which releases two molecules: inositol trisphosphate and diacylglycerol. These molecules cause a chain reaction that leads to the phosphorylation of myosin light chains and promotes interaction between actin and myosin, leading to smooth...
2.9K
Neural Regulation of Blood Pressure01:18

Neural Regulation of Blood Pressure

The neural regulation of blood pressure involves intricate interactions between the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and cardiovascular system, ensuring adequate perfusion of tissues. This regulation primarily occurs through baroreceptor and chemoreceptor reflexes, involving both short-term and long-term mechanisms.
Baroreceptor Reflex
Baroreceptors, located in the carotid sinuses and aortic arch, detect changes in blood pressure. When blood pressure rises, these stretch-sensitive receptors...
8.0K