Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 2, 2026

Ultrasound Assessment of Endothelial-Dependent Flow-Mediated Vasodilation of the Brachial Artery in Clinical Research
08:42

Ultrasound Assessment of Endothelial-Dependent Flow-Mediated Vasodilation of the Brachial Artery in Clinical Research

Published on: October 22, 2014

Impaired systemic arterial compliance in borderline hypertension

H Ventura, F H Messerli, W Oigman

    American Heart Journal
    |July 1, 1984
    PubMed

    Insights

    Arterial compliance declines early in hypertension, even at borderline pressure levels. Age and blood pressure are key factors influencing arterial stiffness in essential hypertension.

    Area of Science:

    • Cardiovascular Medicine
    • Hypertension Research
    • Vascular Physiology

    Background:

    • Arterial compliance is a crucial indicator of cardiovascular health.
    • Impaired arterial compliance is associated with increased cardiovascular risk.
    • Early detection of arterial stiffness in hypertension is vital for intervention.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To assess arterial compliance in normotensive, borderline hypertensive, and essential hypertensive individuals.
    • To identify determinants of arterial compliance, specifically pulse wave velocity.
    • To investigate early structural changes in the arterial wall during hypertension development.

    Main Methods:

    • Evaluation of arterial compliance using pulse wave velocity, pulse pressure/stroke volume ratio, and diastolic blood pressure decay analysis.
    • Comparison of arterial compliance indices across three patient groups: normotensive, borderline hypertensive, and established essential hypertensive.
    • Multiple regression analysis to determine independent predictors of pulse wave velocity.

    Main Results:

    • Borderline hypertensive and established essential hypertensive groups showed significantly impaired arterial compliance compared to normotensive individuals.
    • All three evaluated indices of arterial compliance were abnormal in established hypertension.
    • Age, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure were identified as independent determinants of pulse wave velocity.

    Conclusions:

    • Arterial compliance impairment occurs early in hypertensive cardiovascular disease, even with only slightly elevated blood pressure.
    • Structural alterations in the arterial wall are detectable in borderline hypertension.
    • Age and blood pressure are significant risk factors for arterial stiffness and the progression of systemic arterial disease in essential hypertension.

    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

    Pulse-Wave Velocity, Flow-Mediated Dilation, and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness to Assess Cardiovascular Risk in Population with Metabolic Syndrome06:04

    Pulse-Wave Velocity, Flow-Mediated Dilation, and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness to Assess Cardiovascular Risk in Population with Metabolic Syndrome

    Published on: September 27, 2024

    Related Concept Videos

    Blood Pressure01:30

    Blood Pressure

    Blood pressure (BP) is the pressure or force of blood exerted on the artery's walls as it circulates through the body. It is essential for maintaining blood flow throughout the body.
    The average BP in an adult is typically around 120/80 mmHg (millimeters of mercury). In this measurement, the numerator (120) indicates the systolic pressure, which is the pressure in the arteries during the contraction of the heart's ventricles as blood is expelled. The denominator (80) represents the diastolic...
    Special considerations while measuring blood pressure01:28

    Special considerations while measuring blood pressure

    When assessing blood pressure (BP), healthcare professionals must consider various factors and potential unexpected outcomes to ensure accurate readings and provide proper patient care. Adhering to these guidelines is essential to achieving the most reliable results.
    Monitoring Both Arms:
    Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.
    Disorders of the Autonomic Nervous System01:18

    Disorders of the Autonomic Nervous System

    The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is an intricate network of nerves that controls functions such as the regulation of heart rate, digestion, and blood pressure regulation. When this system malfunctions, it can lead to various disorders that affect multiple bodily functions. One common feature of many autonomic disorders is the involvement of smooth blood vessels, which play a crucial role in regulating blood flow throughout the body.
    Raynaud's disease, also known as Raynaud's phenomenon, is a...
    Blood Pressure01:24

    Blood Pressure

    The movement of blood in a human body, commonly referred to as blood flow, is determined by the volume of blood that traverses a certain section of the bodily system per unit time. It is the rhythmic contraction of the heart's ventricles that primarily instigates this movement. As the ventricles contract, blood is forced into the prominent arteries, which then flow from areas of greater pressure to lower pressure areas. This movement continues into smaller arteries and arterioles and...
    Measurement of Blood Pressure01:17

    Measurement of Blood Pressure

    Assessing blood pressure is a standard procedure executed in virtually all medical environments. The method utilized today was established over a hundred years ago by an innovative Russian doctor, Dr. Nikolai Korotkoff. The soft ticking noise, known as Korotkoff sounds, heard while taking blood pressure readings results from turbulent blood flow within the vessels. The apparatus required for this procedure includes a sphygmomanometer, a blood pressure cuff attached to a gauge, and a stethoscope.
    Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation01:21

    Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation

    Clinical manifestationsPeripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) manifests through a range of symptoms, from the characteristic intermittent claudication to atypical presentations and severe complications in advanced stages. Intermittent claudication, a hallmark symptom of PAD, presents as exercise-induced muscle pain that typically resolves within minutes of rest. This pain is reproducible and stems from inadequate blood flow, leading to the accumulation of lactic acid produced during anaerobic...