Isolated systolic hypertension : pathophysiology and effects of treatment

In chapter 1 the problem of isolated systolic hypertension (ISH) is presented. The reason why ISH has received less attention in the past is discussed, and it is explained that this lack of attention is not correct given the cardiovascular risk of ISH. Also, an overview of the knowledge on cardiac and vascular pathophysiologic alterations in ISH is presented, discussing the paucity of data on the effects on pathophysiologic alterations by treatment in ISH subjects. A vailable results in antihypertensive keatment of ISH on morbidity and mortality are reviewed, with special attention on two large trials: the SHEP- and the SYST-EUR study. These results are compared with results of treatment in other (diastolic/younger) subtypes of hypertension. ... Zie: Summary