EARLY ATHEROSCLEROSIS IN HUMAN HYPERTENSION

The detection of preclinical atherosclerosis may contribute to better identifying hypertensive subjects at high risk of complications. Three alterations can be diagnosed noninvasively: calcification, thickening , and stiffening of the arterial wall. Their prevalence is increased i n asymptomatic hypertensives and their presence may have important pro gnostic significance, especially with respect to coronary artery disea se. They are also ideal targets to test the efficacy of hypertensive t herapy on the arterial wall. Finally, the detection of early atheroscl erosis may help to improve the clinical management of hypertensive pat ients. Am J Hypertens 1998;11:882-883 (C) 1998 American Journal of Hyp ertension, Ltd.