[Prospective evaluation of hemodynamic changes in patients with hypertension]

Central hemodynamic changes were investigated in 88 patients with essential hypertension after 5-year supervision. With adequate treatment the circulation type common to a given form of hypertension was basically preserved so that no hemodynamic changes were noted. The natural course of the disease was associated with considerably increased total peripheral resistance, while eu- and hypokinetic, instead of hyperkinetic, circulation gradually began to prevail in patients with labile hypertension. Plasma renin activity and renal cortical blood flow decreased. These changes are conducive to the stabilization and progress of arterial hypertension.