Structural changes in the cardiovascular system of untreated essential hypertensives.

Arterial hypertension is associated with structural changes in the cardiovascular system. This study has examined the effect of hypertension on the carotid artery wall and examined the relation between changes in the structure of carotid artery wall and left ventricle in untreated hypertensives. The carotid artery wall was visualized using a high resolution ultrasound technique in 37 untreated hypertensive patients (25 males, 12 females) and 37 age and sex matched normotensive individuals and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and carotid artery diameter measured. IMT and intima-media cross sectional area was significantly greater in the hypertensive group compared with the normotensive group, though the carotid artery diameter did not differ significantly. There was a significant association between age and IMT in both groups. In the hypertensive group there was also a significant association between left ventricular mass index, ventricular septal or posterior wall thickness and IMT. This study indicates that there is an association between cardiac and carotid arterial structure in hypertension. Such a relationship may be important in understanding the associated risks of high blood pressure.