[Role of the determination of aortic pressure and rigidity in patients with cardiovascular diseases].

The paper reviews the literature on studies of the structural and functional properties of great arteries in patients with cardiovascular diseases. It analyses the pathophysiological components of the formation of central blood pressure (BP) and describes current registration procedures. The negative aspects of the impact of elevated central BP on target organs are considered. The prognostic and clinical values of the indicators of central arterial stiffness are demonstrated.

[Corrective effect of olmesartan on parameters of the local rigidity using the echo-tracking technology].

Purpose of this study was to determine clinical value of intima-media thickness (IMT) and indicators of local stiffness obtained by ultrasonography of the carotid arteries by echo-tracking technology in patients with hypertension and coronary artery disease (CAD), and to assess vasoprotective effect of 24-week treatment with olmesartan. We included into the study 22 patients with 1-2 degree hypertension, 25 patients with CAD combined with hypertension, and 44 healthy subjects. In patients with CAD and hypertension local stiffness was reassessed after 24-week treatment with olmesartan (20-40 mg/day). Patients with-hypertension compared with healthy subjects had higher values of loc P sys and loc P dia, P (T1), pulse wave propagation velocity (PWPV), stiffness index, as well as lower compliance and distensibility coefficients (CC and DC). In patients with CAD and hypertension all parameters of local stiffness and IMT were significantly higher, while CC and DC were significantly lower than in control group. Therapy with olmesartan for 24-weeks was associated with reductions of IMT (-4.8%, p < 0.05), loc P sys and loc P dia (-13.5 and -11%, respectively, p < 0.05), stiffness index ß (-19.1%, p < 0.05), loc PWPV (-17%) and P (T1) (-7%, p < 0.05), and increase of CC (3.3%, p < 0.05). Conclusion. Combination of CAD and hypertension worsened the local stiffness and increased IMT. Therapy with olmesartan in this group of patients was associated with indications of vasoprotective effect.

[The diagnostic value and clinical significance of a method for estimating the arterial stiffness by cardio-ankle vascular index].

The review presents the data of clinical studies of a new method for estimating the arterial stiffness by cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI). The most significant factors influencing the vascular wall are analyzed and a CAVI measuring procedure and a calculation algorithm are described in detail. An association of the estimation of CAVI with other procedures determining the rigidity of the arterial wall is analyzed. A possibility for the practical application of this index to the study of the elastic properties of the vascular wall and for its use as a surrogate criterion to evaluate the vasoprotective effect of antihypertensive agents is considered.

[Clinical study of arterial rigidity. Part II. Remodeling of vessels in arterial hypertension and metabolic syndrome. possibilities of correction with drugs].

In the second part of the review we present data on vascular remodeling in arterial hypertension and metabolic syndrome with analysis of factors and mechanisms influencing pulse wave propagation velocity in these diseases. We also consider possibilities of correction of remodeling of vessels with contemporary antihypertensive drugs.

[Provision of complex cardioprotection with the help of carvedilol in 1-2 degree arterial hypertension combined with metabolic syndrome].

In an open prospective 16-week study we carried out assessment of clinical efficacy, vaso- and cardioprotective properties of nonselective alpha and beta-adrenoblocker carvedilol used as monotherapy and in combination with nifedipine or as combination of these drugs with metformin and simvastatin. We have shown that the use of carvedilol both as monotherapy and in combination with nifedipine normalizes arterial pressure irrespective of the number of risk factors. We also revealed pronounced cardio- and vasoprotective action without negative effect on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.

[Clinical value of the study of stiffness of arterial wall. Part I].

In this review we present concise historical background of formation of the interest to investigation of properties of arterial wall in this review. We consider in detail interrelation of arterial functions with their structure, main mechanisms of action of elastic properties of arteries on systemic hemodynamics. Definitions of terms describing structural-functional properties of arteries are also given. Attention is accentuated on velocity of pulse wave propagation -- an independent predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and generally accepted parameter characterizing stiffness of arterial segment. Analysis of most valuable factors affecting pulse wave propagation velocity and modern methods and devices for the study of arterial wall stiffness is presented as well.