Medical treatment of the aorta. II.

Because of its elastic properties, the aorta influences left ventricular function and coronary blood flow. The aortic pressure-diameter relationship provides direct estimations of the elastic properties of the aorta in humans. Current research is focused on examining strategies that might improve aortic function. Therapeutic interventions alter the elastic properties of the aorta, and improvement of the elastic properties of the aorta may be beneficial in modifying the natural history of the disease. Certain pharmacological agents that result in improved aortic function have been identified.