The renin-angiotensin system and large arteries in the hypertensive patient
Bouthier, J.; Hugue, C.; Asmar, R.; Simon, A.; Safar, M.
Annales de Cardiologie et d'Angeiologie 34(10): 693-696
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-3928 PMID: 3004317 Document Number: 251096
The large arteries are impaired in uncomplicated, permanent, essential arterial hypertension. The peripheral arteries such as the humeral artery or the common carotid artery have a normal or increased diameter, reduced blood flow and, especially, reduced compliance. Reduction of the arterial compliance reflects an impairment peculiar to the large blood vessels, independent of the pressure. Antihypertensive medicines, for a given drop in pressure, may increase, diminish or not change arterial compliance. This is an important point to be taken into account in relation to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality of treated hypertensives. It has been particularly well studied in the context of inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin system.