Arterial stiffening in hypertension: beyond blood pressure levels

Abstract

Uncontrolled hypertension confers a major risk factor of death worldwide with at least 25% of the world's adult population having elevated arterial blood pressure.1 Hypertension is strongly associated with damage of the vasculature and target organs, leading to cardiovascular and renal disease. Progressive remodelling and impairment of elastic properties of conduit arteries represent a characteristic feature of hypertension strongly associated with unfavourable prognosis. Not surprisingly, the results of the Conduit Artery Function Evaluation (CAFE) study suggest that arterial function may be a useful treatment target in hypertension.2