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Large Arteries, Microcirculation, and Mechanisms of Hypertension

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Blood Pressure and Arterial Wall Mechanics in Cardiovascular Diseases

Abstract

Although the macro- and microcirculation have different embryological origins a constant match in their mechanical behavior is essential for an optimal function of the cardiovascular system. Extrinsic neurohormonal control systems contribute to this match. In addition, blood pressure transfers energy, mechanical signals, and metabolic factors independently of these neurohormonal control mechanisms. The plasticity of vascular structure provides a long-term control mechanism of blood pressure throughout the vascular tree. Hypertension is characterized by vascular structural changes that cause increased arterial stiffness and resistance to flow. This chapter discusses the major structural changes in the vascular tree in hypertension.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pharmacology, CARIM, Maastricht University, 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands

    Harry A. J. Struijker-Boudier PhD

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  1. Harry A. J. Struijker-Boudier PhD
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Correspondence to Harry A. J. Struijker-Boudier PhD .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Hôtel-Dieu Hospital Diagnosis and Therapeutics Center, Paris Descartes University, Paris, Paris, France

    Michel E. Safar

  2. St Vincent Clinic and Hospital, University of New South Wales, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

    Michael F. O'Rourke

  3. Department of Cardiology, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

    Edward D. Frohlich

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Struijker-Boudier, H.A.J. (2014). Large Arteries, Microcirculation, and Mechanisms of Hypertension. In: Safar, M., O'Rourke, M., Frohlich, E. (eds) Blood Pressure and Arterial Wall Mechanics in Cardiovascular Diseases. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-5198-2_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-5198-2_2

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4471-5197-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4471-5198-2

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