Arterial Stiffness as an Antecedent in the Pathogenesis of Primary Hypertension

Abstract

Over the past 50 years, it has been postulated that abnormality in resistance vessels play an important and critical role in the pathogenesis of hypertension as these vessels maintain the steady-flow hemodynamic in the circulation. Accordingly, antihypertensive therapies were designed to alter the peripheral vascular resistance or cardiac output, resulting in a reduction in mean arterial pressure. However, in recent years, many studies have emphasized the role of arterial stiffness in the development of hypertension, and have made clear that arterial stiffness especially aortic stiffness may antedate and may contribute to the development of hypertension, which is a leading cause of potentially preventable disability and premature death. So considering the pathomechanism of arterial stiffness associated with increased blood pressure, individualized therapeutic approaches will require knowledge of the patient’s unique profile of arterial stiffness. The aim of this review is to understand the role of arterial stiffness in the pathogenesis of hypertension; which is important in understanding the complex puzzle that is the pathophysiology of hypertension and will prove beneficial in future development of novel antihypertensive treatments.

Keywords: Arterial stiffness; hypertension; inflammatory markers; pathogenesis

Cite this Article

Arshid Iqbal Wani, Mansoor Ahmad Siddiqui. Arterial stiffness as an antecedent in the pathogenesis of primary hypertension. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Health Professions. 2017; 7(3): 9–13p.