In vivo adaptive response of the peripheral conduit artery in patients with borderline systolic hypertension.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate elastic changes of the radial artery, a medium-sized muscular peripheral conduit artery, in patients with borderline systolic hypertension.


METHODS
Using a non-invasive high-resolution echo-tracking device coupled to a photoplethysmography (Finapres system) allowing simultaneous arterial diameter and finger blood pressure monitoring, we measured radial artery elastic parameters of 20 patients with borderline systolic hypertension and 20 normal subjects according to Langewouters model.


RESULTS
The diameter of the radial artery of control subjects and those with borderline systolic hypertension at the isobaric level of 100 mmHg and mean arterial pressure was similar, but the compliance and distensibility at similar conditions in patients with borderline systolic hypertension did not further reduced and even increased.


CONCLUSIONS
In patients with borderline systolic hypertension, the adaptive responses of the radial artery compliance and distensibility to increased pressure were directed to maintain its elasticity, contributing to the homeostasis of the cardiovascular system.
Tao
Jun
J
Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China. taojungz@yahoo.com
Jin
Yafei
Y
Wang
Lichun
L
Tang
Anli
A
Liao
Xinxue
X
Yang
Zhen
Z
Ma
Hong
H
D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000368:Aged; D003187:Compliance; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017534:Radial Artery / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013599:Systole