Hypertensive heart disease: effects of lifestyle modifications and antihypertensive drug treatment

AM Grandi - Expert Review of Cardiovascular Therapy, 2004 - Taylor & Francis
AM Grandi
Expert Review of Cardiovascular Therapy, 2004Taylor & Francis
Target-organ protection in hypertensive patients has become increasingly important. This
review will focus on hypertensive heart disease that is mainly characterized by myocardial
hypertrophy and increased interstitial fibrosis. Cardiac remodeling develops as an adaptive
response but actually represents a powerful independent risk factor for cardiovascular
morbidity and mortality. The review will begin with a brief discussion on the complex
pathophysiology of hypertensive cardiac remodeling and its clinical consequences. The …
Target-organ protection in hypertensive patients has become increasingly important. This review will focus on hypertensive heart disease that is mainly characterized by myocardial hypertrophy and increased interstitial fibrosis. Cardiac remodeling develops as an adaptive response but actually represents a powerful independent risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The review will begin with a brief discussion on the complex pathophysiology of hypertensive cardiac remodeling and its clinical consequences. The effects of nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic antihypertensive treatments on the development and progression of hypertensive heart disease are presented. Finally, the impact of the regression of myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis on cardiac function and cardiovascular risk are discussed.
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