There is a paradox in hypertension: whereas the pathophysiological mechanisms of the disease have been related principally to a constriction of small arteries, most of the complications refer to damage of the large arteries, particularly at the site of the brain, the kidney and the heart. In the past, large arteries were poorly investigated in hypertension mainly in terms of change in blood flow. Recent studies clearly show that the large arteries are largely involved in the mechanisms of hypertension not only through changes in mean blood flow, but rather through changes in stiffness of the arterial wall. This aspect may be a key-point for the development of hypertensive complications. Subsequently, the goal of treatment may be not only blood pressure reduction but also improvement of structural and functional abnormalities of the large vessels. These therapeutic aspects are analyzed in detail in the present book.

Introduction; M.E. Safar, M.F. O'Rourke. 1. Mechanical Stress of the Arterial Wall and Hypertension; S. Laurent. 2. Hypertension and the Conduit and Cushioning Functions of the Arterial Tree; M.F. O'Rourke. 3. Wave Reflections and the Pathophysiology of Hypertension; R.D. Latham, D.M. Slife. 4. Structure of the Arterial System in Hypertension; C.L. Berry, J.A. Sosa-Melgarejo. 5. Cyclic Quasonine Monophosphate, Smooth Muscle Tone and Mechanical Properties of Large Arteries; M.C. Mourlon-Le Grand, B.I. Lévy. 6. Signals Regulating Arterial Contractile Function and Growth in Hypertension: Role of Angiotensin II and Nitric Oxide; J.-B. Michel, J.-F. Arnal. 7. Large Arteries and Epidemiological Aspects of Hypertension; W. McFate Smith. 8. Non-Invasive Study of the Local Mechanical Characteristics in Humans; A.P.G. Hoeks. 9. Geometry and Stiffness of the Arterial Wall in Essential Hypertension; M.E. Safar. 10. Arterial System, Left Ventricular Structure and Function; R. Gourgon, A. Cohen-Solal. 11. Autonomic Nervous System and Large Conduit Arteries: Pathophysiological and Therapeutic Aspects; G.M. London, M.E. Safar. 12. Large Arteries and Sodium in Hypertension: Pathophysiological and Therapeutic Aspects; A. Benetos, M.E. Safar. 13. Large Arteries and Calcium in Hypertension: Pathophysiological and Therapeutic Aspects; G.M. London, B.I. Lévy. 14. Wave Reflections: Clinical and Therapeutic Aspects; G.M. London, T. Yaginuma. Index.