title: [A model for studying arterial stiffness in essential arterial hypertension].
abstract: Arterial stiffness (AS) is a complex parameter, which can be assessed by non-invasive methods. Our study demonstrates the usefulness of an integrative model for measuring the components of the AS.
  
  
  METHODS
  The AS was prospectively studied before and after 6 and 12 months of antihypertensive treatment in 92 hypertensive patients and 50 matched normotensives. The studied parameters were pulse wave velocity (PWV), pulse pressure, indices of vascular compliance assessed by vascular ultrasound (b index and strain) and the systolic volume index/PP ratio (SVI/PP).
  
  
  RESULTS
  All parameters of AS have a favourable evolution after 12 months of antihypertensive treatment and the normalization of the blood pressure. The central parameters have a different behavior compared with the peripheral AS, probably in relation with the arterial structure. The ratio SVI/PP is useful for studying the ventricular-arterial coupling.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  An integrative model for studying AS and a prospective follow-up is useful and necessary in essential arterial hypertension.
authors.affiliation: Facultatea de Medicină, Clinica I Medicală Cardiologică, Universitatea de Medicină si Farmacie "Gr. T. Popa" Iaşi.
authors.forename: Viviana
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Aursulesei
authors.forename: Georgeta
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Datcu
authors.forename: M D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Datcu
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001158:Arteries / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects*; D001916:Brachial Artery / Q000503:physiopathology; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003187:Compliance / Q000187:drug effects; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000187:drug effects; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011673:Pulsatile Flow; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional / Q000379:methods; D014655:Vascular Resistance / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D000959:Antihypertensive Agents