Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Assessing Murine Resistance Artery Function Using Pressure Myography
07:25

Assessing Murine Resistance Artery Function Using Pressure Myography

Published on: June 7, 2013

Cardiovascular causes of systemic hypertension

A P Rocchini1

  • 1Division of Pediatric Cardiology, University of Minnesota Medical Center, Minneapolis.

Pediatric Clinics of North America
|February 1, 1993
PubMed

Insights

Coarctation of the aorta is a common cardiovascular cause of hypertension that is easily diagnosed and treated. Measuring blood pressure in both arms and legs is essential for all hypertension evaluations.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Hypertension Research

Background:

  • Cardiovascular disease is an infrequent cause of hypertension.
  • Coarctation of the aorta is the leading cardiovascular cause of hypertension.
  • Prompt diagnosis and treatment of aortic coarctation are crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To emphasize the importance of evaluating cardiovascular causes of hypertension.
  • To highlight coarctation of the aorta as a key diagnosis.
  • To recommend specific diagnostic steps for hypertension evaluation.

Main Methods:

  • Blood pressure measurement in both arms and legs for all hypertensive patients.
  • Thorough patient history taking.
  • Comprehensive physical examination.

Main Results:

  • Coarctation of the aorta is a treatable cardiovascular cause of hypertension.
  • Arm and leg blood pressure measurements are vital for diagnosis.
  • Other rarer cardiovascular causes can be identified through clinical assessment.

Conclusions:

  • Mandatory measurement of blood pressure in arms and legs for hypertension assessment.
  • Early detection of coarctation of the aorta improves patient outcomes.
  • Clinical evaluation remains key for diagnosing uncommon cardiovascular causes of 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

The Antihypertensive Effects and Mechanisms of Huotan Jiedu Tongluo Decoction in Rats with H-Type Hypertension05:57

The Antihypertensive Effects and Mechanisms of Huotan Jiedu Tongluo Decoction in Rats with H-Type Hypertension

Published on: May 17, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Alterations in Blood Pressure01:30

Alterations in Blood Pressure

Alterations in blood pressure, such as hypertension (high blood pressure) and hypotension (low blood pressure), significantly affect human health. Understanding these conditions' classifications, causes, and symptoms is essential for effective management and treatment.
Hypertension (High blood pressure)
Hypertension occurs when blood pressure readings consistently exceed the normal range. It is diagnosed when systolic blood pressure (the top number, indicating pressure while the heart beats)...
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...
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...
Hypertension I: Introduction01:28

Hypertension I: Introduction

Hypertension is a widespread, long-term medical condition where blood pressure in the arteries remains elevated. It is characterized by systolic blood pressure readings of 130 mm Hg or above or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) readings of 80 mm Hg or higher. Unmanaged hypertension poses significant health risks, making the distinction between primary (or essential) hypertension and secondary hypertension crucial, as their management and implications vary.Primary HypertensionPrimary hypertension,...
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,...
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:30

Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Hypertension is asymptomatic and also referred to as the "silent killer" until it progresses to a severe stage or causes target organ disease. Patients may experience symptoms stemming from the strain on blood vessels and tissues in various organs or the heart's increased workload.Physical exams might show no abnormalities other than high blood pressure. Signs of vascular damage, when present, correspond to the organs supplied by the affected vessels, leading to target organ damage. For...