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Subclinical HMOD in Hypertension: Brain Imaging and Cognitive Function

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Abstract

Latest European Societies of Hypertension and Cardiology (ESH/ESC) have acknowledged that brain represent a relevant target for hypertension mediated organ damage (HMOD). In fact, brain damage can be the only HMOD in more than 30% of hypertensive subjects, evolving undetected for several years if not appropriately screened. However, no clear position has been indicated on how to evaluate brain HMOD. The present manuscript would contribute to briefly summarize structural and functional brain HMOD for the medical community dealing with older hypertensive patients. Arterial aging is proposed as possible “common soil” underlying structural and functional brain HMOD. Finally, a simple algothythm to screen older hypertensive subjects for cognitive function is proposed and discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dipartimento Scienze Mediche e Sanita’ Pubblica, Universita’ di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy

    Angelo Scuteri

  2. Internal Medicine Unit, University Hspital Monserrato, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy

    Angelo Scuteri

  3. Cattedra di Medicina Interna, University Campus Bio-Medico, Roma, Italy

    Raffaele Antonelli Incalzi

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Scuteri, A., Antonelli Incalzi, R. Subclinical HMOD in Hypertension: Brain Imaging and Cognitive Function. High Blood Press Cardiovasc Prev 29, 577–583 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40292-022-00546-1

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