Hypertension hemodynamics.

Abstract

The hemodynamic factors in hypertension should be evaluated in terms of early versus late stages, autoregulation versus amplifying mechanisms, and arterial compliance versus arteriolar vasoconstrictive responses. In addition, evaluation of hemodynamic changes in hypertension should include the role of vascular endothelium, genetic factors, volume factors, salt intake, vascular reactivity, presence or absence of left ventricular hypertrophy or left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, and finally the presence of left ventricular systolic failure. Whether therapy directed by knowledge of hemodynamic profiling will be more efficacious or more cost-effective than standard therapy in reducing morbidity and mortality of hypertension needs to be proven.