[Ultrasound examination for hypertension]

The echocardiographic determination of left ventricular mass is useful to evaluate the severity and the prognosis of hypertension. In addition to this determination, the echocardiographic assessment of left ventricular morphology is also proposed as one of important parameters to implicate the prognosis. Recently, the clinical significance of intimal-media thickness, plaque, and diameter of carotid artery obtained by an ultrasound examination for hypertension has been discussed. While these parameters correlate well with blood pressure level and left ventricular mass, further studies are needed to establish the usefulness of the ultrasound examination of carotid artery. As a tool for research purposes, ultrasound examination is also applicable to examine organ blood flow, arterial distensibility, and arterial endothelial function. Thus, ultrasound examination for hypertension is promising either in clinical practices and research purposes.