[Hypertension and arteriosclerosis]

Abstract

Arterial hypertension is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis. The mechanisms involved include elevation of blood pressure, increased velocity of the sphygmic wave and increased blood flow turbulence. These hemodynamic features however do not fully explain the link between hypertension and atherosclerosis. An important role is also played by humoral factors including catecholamines, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, serotonin, endothelin, platelets and endothelium-derived growth factors. Furthermore in the last few years great relevance has been attributed to hyperinsulinemia (accompanied by hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia) that is frequently found in hypertensive subjects. Several recent reports on the antiatherogenic effect of some antihypertensive agents that could slow down the progression of atherosclerotic lesions in hypertensive subjects are promising.