New Markers of Carotid Thickening in Hypertension

Arterial hypertension was considered an important cardiovascular risk factor only after the Framingham studies, as it was believed that it was a necessary “good” for good tissue perfusion. These emblematic long-term cohort studies about the cardiovascular system brought data that allowed the evaluation of the interaction with several other diseases, such as dyslipidemias and diabetes, for the atheromatous plaque formation, which is the initial step for cardiovascular complications. A time when clinical examination was essential to detect markers of atherosclerotic disease.

However, with the evolution of knowledge, clinical biological markers were no longer sufficient to predict risk, as we increasingly need to articulate preventive measures as early as possible, for more effective treatment and better prevention. Additionally, the interaction between the environment, with all its risk factors and genetics proved to be interactive and of crucial importance in the development of the atherosclerotic plaque. Regarding hypertension, the genetic component with an estimated inheritance of 15-40% became clear, so much so that the brothers have a risk agreement rate for the disease ranging from 1.2 to 1.7.^,

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