Biomechanical approach of arterial hypertension

pp 150-156

Abstract

Several studies have demonstrated hypertension is one of the most important risk factors in the development of cardiovascular disease. In fact, essential hypertension causes well-known target-organ damage that can result in myocardial hypertrophy, coronary heart disease, abnormal left ventricular function, impaired arterial compliance, microalbuminuria and cerebrovascular disease. Consequently, non-invasive studies are necessary in order to provide adequate clinical evaluation and a useful tool for ambulatory patients’ control.The mechanical properties of the arterial wall play a major role in the regulation of the interrelation between arterial pressure and dimensions. Its evaluation through dynamic studies contributes to the knowledge of hypertensive dis-ease.In this study, we summarize a description of the mechanical properties of the arterial wall and the most utilized arterial function indexes.