Donate Help Contact The AHA Sign In Home
American Heart Association
Hypertension
Search: search_blue_button Advanced Search
Hypertension. 1995;26:2-9

This Article
Right arrow Full Text
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Right arrow Citation Map
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrowRequest Permissions
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via HighWire
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by O'Rourke, M.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by O'Rourke, M.

(Hypertension. 1995;26:2-9.)
© 1995 American Heart Association, Inc.


Articles

Mechanical Principles in Arterial Disease

Michael O'Rourke

From the University of New South Wales, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

Correspondence to Michael O'Rourke, MD, University of New South Wales, St Vincent's Hospital, Victoria St, Darlinghurst, New South Wales 2010, Australia.


Key Words: arteriosclerosis • compliance • atherosclerosis • wave reflection


*    Introduction
 
Arterial disease and degeneration are the major causes of cardiovascular death and disability, including myocardial and cerebral infarction, cerebral hemorrhage, and hypertensive left ventricular failure. Recent research has concentrated on chemical and molecular mechanisms: on thrombogenesis and thrombolysis, vasoactive chemicals produced by endothelial cells, and the chemical control of cardiac and vascular remodeling. There has been far less concern with details of physical factors and their relevance to atherogenesis, plaque rupture, aortic medial degeneration, and altered left ventricular hydraulic load. This is a serious anomaly, since the functions of the heart and arteries are mechanical rather than chemical: those of the heart is to contract and to generate flow; those of the arteries is to transmit blood and to cushion pulsations. Their diseases and resultant complications are mechanical as well, comprising arterial obstruction, arterial rupture, and failure of the heart as a mechanical pump. A logical approach to therapy requires consideration of mechanics and physical principles in sufficient detail to explain observed phenomena. Such an approach to arterial disease is not the role of the surgeon alone but should be taken by contemporary internists, cardiologists, and specialists in hypertensive disease. Practicing physicians need to look beyond simplistic mechanical notions and beyond simple instruments such as the cuff sphygmomanometer, which still dominates clinical practice as it has for the past 100 years. It is appropriate that they consider those recent advances in mechanical science that are as important and as far-reaching as those in chemical and molecular science but that have . . . [Full Text of this Article]




This article has been cited by other articles:


Home page
BMJHome page
P. Sever
Is systolic blood pressure all that matters? Yes
BMJ, July 10, 2009; 339(jul10_1): b2665 - b2665.
[Full Text]


Home page
Journal of Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone SystemHome page
B. Gojanovic, F. Feihl, L. Liaudet, and B. Waeber
Review: Concomitant calcium entry blockade and inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system: a rational and effective means for treating hypertension
Journal of Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System, March 1, 2008; 9(1): 1 - 9.
[Abstract] [PDF]


Home page
HeartHome page
H Senzaki, Y Iwamoto, H Ishido, T Matsunaga, M Taketazu, T Kobayashi, H Asano, T Katogi, and S Kyo
Arterial haemodynamics in patients after repair of tetralogy of Fallot: influence on left ventricular after load and aortic dilatation
Heart, January 1, 2008; 94(1): 70 - 74.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
HypertensionHome page
S. Munir, A. Guilcher, T. Kamalesh, B. Clapp, S. Redwood, M. Marber, and P. Chowienczyk
Peripheral Augmentation Index Defines the Relationship Between Central and Peripheral Pulse Pressure
Hypertension, January 1, 2008; 51(1): 112 - 118.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Renal Physiol.Home page
W. A. Cupples and B. Braam
Assessment of renal autoregulation
Am J Physiol Renal Physiol, April 1, 2007; 292(4): F1105 - F1123.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
ANGIOLOGYHome page
A. Bilici, M. S. Ulgen, H. Nazaroglu, O. Ozturk, F. Ekici, C. Akgul, and B. Alan
The Effect of ACE Gene Polymorphisms on Doppler Blood Flow Parameters of Carotid and Brachial Arteries in Patients With Myocardial Infarction
Angiology, January 1, 2007; 57(6): 681 - 685.
[Abstract] [PDF]


Home page
J. Am. Soc. Nephrol.Home page
P. S.M., M. T., S. A., Y. H.T., C. D., K. S.A., S. V.P., W. B., L. P.S., T. S.M., et al.
Leaking Capillaries and White Lung in Sepsis--Is Angiopoietin 2 the Culprit?: Excess Circulating Angiopoietin-2 May Contribute to Pulmonary Vascular Leak in Sepsis in Humans. PLoS Medicine 3: e46, 2006
J. Am. Soc. Nephrol., May 1, 2006; 17(5): 1207 - 1217.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
CirculationHome page
The CAFE Investigators, for the Anglo-Scandinavian Cardiac Outcomes Trial, CAFE Steering Committee and Writing Committee, B. Williams, P. S. Lacy, S. M. Thom, K. Cruickshank, A. Stanton, D. Collier, A. D. Hughes, et al.
Differential Impact of Blood Pressure-Lowering Drugs on Central Aortic Pressure and Clinical Outcomes: Principal Results of the Conduit Artery Function Evaluation (CAFE) Study
Circulation, March 7, 2006; 113(9): 1213 - 1225.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Arch Intern MedHome page
D. B. Panagiotakos, D. Kromhout, A. Menotti, C. Chrysohoou, A. Dontas, C. Pitsavos, H. Adachi, H. Blackburn, S. Nedeljkovic, and A. Nissinen
The Relation Between Pulse Pressure and Cardiovascular Mortality in 12 763 Middle-aged Men From Various Parts of the World: A 25-Year Follow-up of the Seven Countries Study
Arch Intern Med, October 10, 2005; 165(18): 2142 - 2147.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
HypertensionHome page
B. Pannier, A. P. Guerin, S. J. Marchais, M. E. Safar, and G. M. London
Stiffness of Capacitive and Conduit Arteries: Prognostic Significance for End-Stage Renal Disease Patients
Hypertension, April 1, 2005; 45(4): 592 - 596.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
HypertensionHome page
D. Lemogoum, L. Van Bortel, B. Najem, A. Dzudie, C. Teutcha, E. Madu, M. Leeman, J.-P. Degaute, and P. van de Borne
Arterial Stiffness and Wave Reflections in Patients With Sickle Cell Disease
Hypertension, December 1, 2004; 44(6): 924 - 929.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
HypertensionHome page
C. A. Boreham, I. Ferreira, J. W. Twisk, A. M. Gallagher, M. J. Savage, and L. J. Murray
Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Physical Activity, and Arterial Stiffness: The Northern Ireland Young Hearts Project
Hypertension, November 1, 2004; 44(5): 721 - 726.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol.Home page
M. E. Safar and P. Laurent
Pulse pressure and arterial stiffness in rats: comparison with humans
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, October 1, 2003; 285(4): H1363 - H1369.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
CirculationHome page
G. F. Mitchell, Y. Lacourciere, J.-P. Ouellet, J. L. Izzo Jr, J. Neutel, L. J. Kerwin, A. J. Block, and M. A. Pfeffer
Determinants of Elevated Pulse Pressure in Middle-Aged and Older Subjects With Uncomplicated Systolic Hypertension: The Role of Proximal Aortic Diameter and the Aortic Pressure-Flow Relationship
Circulation, September 30, 2003; 108(13): 1592 - 1598.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
HypertensionHome page
C.-H. Chen, Y.-P. Lin, W.-C. Yu, W.-C. Yang, and Y.-A. Ding
Volume Status and Blood Pressure During Long-Term Hemodialysis: Role of Ventricular Stiffness
Hypertension, September 1, 2003; 42(3): 257 - 262.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol.Home page
D. Chemla, I. Antony, Y. Lecarpentier, and A. Nitenberg
Contribution of systemic vascular resistance and total arterial compliance to effective arterial elastance in humans
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, July 11, 2003; 285(2): H614 - H620.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J Am Coll CardiolHome page
M. de Divitiis, C. Pilla, M. Kattenhorn, A. Donald, M. Zadinello, S. Wallace, A. Redington, and J. Deanfield
Ambulatory blood pressure, left ventricular mass, and conduit artery function late after successful repair of coarctation of the aorta
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., June 18, 2003; 41(12): 2259 - 2265.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
DiabetesHome page
E. Kimoto, T. Shoji, K. Shinohara, M. Inaba, Y. Okuno, T. Miki, H. Koyama, M. Emoto, and Y. Nishizawa
Preferential Stiffening of Central Over Peripheral Arteries in Type 2 Diabetes
Diabetes, February 1, 2003; 52(2): 448 - 452.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Nephrol Dial TransplantHome page
G. M. London, S. J. Marchais, A. P. Guerin, F. Metivier, and H. Adda
Arterial structure and function in end-stage renal disease
Nephrol. Dial. Transplant., October 1, 2002; 17(10): 1713 - 1724.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
QJMHome page
I.S. Mackenzie, I.B. Wilkinson, and J.R. Cockcroft
Assessment of arterial stiffness in clinical practice
QJM, February 1, 2002; 95(2): 67 - 74.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol.Home page
R. Burattini and K. B. Campbell
Comparative analysis of aortic impedance and wave reflection in ferrets and dogs
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, January 1, 2002; 282(1): H244 - H255.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Am. Soc. Nephrol.Home page
G. M. London, B. Pannier, A. P. Guerin, J. Blacher, S. J. Marchais, B. Darne, F. Metivier, H. Adda, and M. E. Safar
Alterations of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in and Survival of Patients Receiving Hemodialysis: Follow-up of an Interventional Study
J. Am. Soc. Nephrol., December 1, 2001; 12(12): 2759 - 2767.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
HypertensionHome page
E. J. Balkestein, J. A. Staessen, J.-G. Wang, J. J. van der Heijden-Spek, L. M. Van Bortel, C. Barlassina, G. Bianchi, E. Brand, S.-M. Herrmann, and H. A. Struijker-Boudier
Carotid and Femoral Artery Stiffness in Relation to Three Candidate Genes in a White Population
Hypertension, November 1, 2001; 38(5): 1190 - 1197.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Am. Soc. Nephrol.Home page
T. SHOJI, M. EMOTO, K. SHINOHARA, R. KAKIYA, Y. TSUJIMOTO, H. KISHIMOTO, E. ISHIMURA, T. TABATA, and Y. NISHIZAWA
Diabetes Mellitus, Aortic Stiffness, and Cardiovascular Mortality in End-Stage Renal Disease
J. Am. Soc. Nephrol., October 1, 2001; 12(10): 2117 - 2124.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
CirculationHome page
M. de Divitiis, C. Pilla, M. Kattenhorn, M. Zadinello, A. Donald, P. Leeson, S. Wallace, A. Redington, and J. E. Deanfield
Vascular dysfunction after repair of coarctation of the aorta: Impact of Early Surgery
Circulation, September 18, 2001; 104 (2009): I-165 - I-170.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J Am Coll CardiolHome page
V. Castelain, P. Herve, Y. Lecarpentier, P. Duroux, G. Simonneau, and D. Chemla
Pulmonary artery pulse pressure and wave reflection in chronic pulmonary thromboembolism and primary pulmonary hypertension
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., March 15, 2001; 37(4): 1085 - 1092.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Nephrol Dial TransplantHome page
G. M. London
Controversy on optimal blood pressure on haemodialysis: lower is not always better
Nephrol. Dial. Transplant., March 1, 2001; 16(3): 475 - 478.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am J EpidemiolHome page
R. Din-Dzietham, D. Liao, A. Diez-Roux, F. J. Nieto, C. Paton, G. Howard, A. Brown, M. Carnethon, and H. A. Tyroler
Association of Educational Achievement with Pulsatile Arterial Diameter Change of the Common Crotid Artery The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study, 1987-1992
Am. J. Epidemiol., October 1, 2000; 152(7): 617 - 627.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Nephrol Dial TransplantHome page
B. Suwelack, J. Witta, M. Hausberg, S. Muller, K. Rahn, and M. Barenbrock
Studies on structural changes of the carotid arteries and the heart in asymptomatic renal transplant recipients
Nephrol. Dial. Transplant., January 1, 1999; 14(1): 160 - 165.
[Abstract] [PDF]


Home page
HypertensionHome page
T. Heise, K. Magnusson, L. Heinemann, and P. T. Sawicki
Insulin Resistance and the Effect of Insulin on Blood Pressure in Essential Hypertension
Hypertension, August 1, 1998; 32(2): 243 - 248.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
NeurologyHome page
H.F.K. Chiu, L.C.W. Lam, I. Chi, T. Leung, S. W. Li, W. T. Law, D.W.S. Chung, H.H.L. Fung, P. S. Kan, C. M. Lum, et al.
Prevalence of dementia in Chinese elderly in Hong Kong
Neurology, April 1, 1998; 50(4): 1002 - 1009.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol.Home page
D. Chemla, J.-L. Hebert, C. Coirault, K. Zamani, I. Suard, P. Colin, and Y. Lecarpentier
Total arterial compliance estimated by stroke volume-to-aortic pulse pressure ratio in humans
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, February 1, 1998; 274(2): H500 - H505.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Appl. Physiol.Home page
P. Colin, M. Slama, A. Vahanian, Y. Lecarpentier, G. Motte, and D. Chemla
Hemodynamic correlates of effective arterial elastance in mitral stenosis before and after balloon valvotomy
J Appl Physiol, October 1, 1997; 83(4): 1083 - 1089.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
ANGIOLOGYHome page
T. Wada, K. Fujishiro, T. Fukumoto, S. Yamazaki, and T. Wada
Relationship Between Ultrasound Assessment of Arterial Wall Properties and Blood Pressure
Angiology, October 1, 1997; 48(10): 893 - 900.
[Abstract] [PDF]


Home page
CirculationHome page
C. Stefanadis, J. Dernellis, C. Vlachopoulos, C. Tsioufis, E. Tsiamis, K. Toutouzas, C. Pitsavos, and P. Toutouzas
Aortic Function in Arterial Hypertension Determined by Pressure-Diameter Relation : Effects of Diltiazem
Circulation, September 16, 1997; 96(6): 1853 - 1858.
[Abstract] [Full Text]


Home page
Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Bio.Home page
P. Boutouyrie, Y. Bezie, P. Lacolley, P. Challande, P. Chamiot-Clerc, A. Benetos, J. F. Renaud de la Faverie, M. Safar, and S. Laurent
In Vivo/In Vitro Comparison of Rat Abdominal Aorta Wall Viscosity : Influence of Endothelial Function
Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol, July 1, 1997; 17(7): 1346 - 1355.
[Abstract] [Full Text]


Home page
HypertensionHome page
C. Giannattasio, A. A. Mangoni, M. Failla, M. L. Stella, S. Carugo, M. Bombelli, R. Sega, and G. Mancia
Combined Effects of Hypertension and Hypercholesterolemia on Radial Artery Function
Hypertension, February 1, 1997; 29(2): 583 - 586.
[Abstract] [Full Text]