Resnick LM, Militianu D, Dominguez L
Vascular compliance in essential hypertension: Relevance of
computerized arterial pulse waveform analysis
11th Scientific Meeting, American Society of Hypertension
Am J Hypert
(Apr) 9:61A 1996
Resnick and colleagues measured small and large artery compliances by
analysis of radial artery
pulse waveforms using a Windkessel model of the circulation. Independent
measurement of aortic
distensibility was obtained using magnetic resonance imaging.
Ten controls and 11 essential hypertensive patients were studied, the latter
both off therapy and
after therapy with calcium channel blockers, drug and duration unspecified.
It was found that large vessel compliance from radial artery waveform
analysis correlated well with
MRI-measured aortic distensibility (r=0.652). They found that both small and
large vessel
compliances were lower in the essential hypertensives vs. controls, and that
both compliances could
be restored to near normal values with calcium channel blocker therapy. The
expected decrease with
vascular compliance with age was seen. Resnick has been propagating this
concept that intracellular
magnesium content is low in hypertension and in particular, diabetes. They
found a correlation
between Mgi levels (measured by MRI) and large vessel compliance. Left
ventricular mass index also
was measured: patients with high MVI had a low small vessel compliance.
Comment: It is a bit surprising that compliance changes were
completely reversed with CCB
therapy, as one would expect considerable structural changes to have occurred
in the hypertensive
population. The results with intracellular magnesium are quite interesting,
although the mechanism
and causality of Mgi levels and diabetes/hypertension need to be more fully
developed.
(John T. Daugirdas, M.D., University of Illinois at Chicago)
To go back use the BACK button on your browser.
Otherwise click on the desired link to this article below:
11th Scientific Meeting, American Society of Hypertension
H: Pathophysiology :
Vascular pathology
H: Pathophysiology :
Intracellular ionic composition