The hardness of the vessel wall in patients with arterial hypertension

Abstract

The article deals with the role of the hardness of the vessel wall in the pathogenesis of arterial hypertension and its complications and cardiovascular mortality. We discussed the factors increasing the hardness of the vessel wall, such as age, blood pressure level, atherosclerosis, smoking and diabetes mellitus. We showed the indicators reflecting the status of the vascular wall and which could play a role of markers of increased risk of cardiovascular complications. We reviewed the data concerning the improvement of the parameters of the hardness of the vessel wall under the influence of antihypertensive therapy using the angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker - candesartan. We discussed the possible mechanisms of the candesartan influence on the elastic properties of the vessels. We stressed that the effect on the hardness of the arteries on using antihypertensive drugs, even within the same class, was different, which, apparently, was associated with the difference in the pharmacokinetic properties.