Hypertension, coronary artery disease and myocardial ischemic syndromes
Massimo Volpe1, Giovanna Gallo2
1Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Via di Grottarossa 1035-1039, Rome 00189, Italy; IRCCS San Raffaele, Via della Pisana 235, Rome 00163, Italy.
Insights
Hypertension significantly contributes to coronary artery disease (CAD) through complex mechanisms. Lowering blood pressure (BP) effectively reduces the risk of coronary events and related complications.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Hypertension Research
- Coronary Artery Disease Etiology
Background:
- Hypertension is a primary driver of coronary artery disease (CAD) development.
- Complex pathophysiological pathways link hypertension to CAD, including neurohormonal activation, atherosclerosis acceleration, and endothelial dysfunction.
Discussion:
- Altered intramyocardial coronary circulation and hypertension-induced cardiac/vascular damage are key factors.
- The relationship between arterial stiffness and coronary perfusion is critical in this context.
Key Insights:
- Blood pressure (BP) reduction demonstrably lowers the risk of coronary events.
- Interventions targeting BP, endothelial function, and microvascular health are crucial.
Outlook:
- Therapeutic strategies aim to mitigate CAD burden by addressing hypertension and its sequelae.
- Preventing left ventricular hypertrophy and dysfunction is essential for managing coronary disease manifestations.
Abstract:
Hypertension represents a major contributor to the development of coronary artery disease. The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the link between hypertension and CAD are complex and include overactivation of neurohormones, accelerated development of the atherosclerotic plaque, endothelial dysfunction, altered intramyocardial coronary circulation, hypertension-mediated cardiac and vascular damage and the relationship between arterial stiffness and coronary perfusion. Blood pressure (BP) reduction is associated with a significant decrease of the risk of coronary events. Therapeutic interventions targeted to reduce BP and to improve endothelial function and coronary microvascular dysfunction, as well as to prevent left ventricular hypertrophy and dysfunction, contribute to reduce the burden of coronary disease and its acute ischemic manifestations.
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