SummaryThe changes in function and structure of the high pressure compartments in experimental hypertension in animals are briefly reviewed. Several studies have demonstrated a gradual restructuring of the high pressure compartments, characterized by media hypertrophy in the arterioles and muscular hypertrophy in the left ventricular wall. Functional studies in spontaneously hypertensive rats have demonstrated a gradual change in the haemodynamics from a hyperkinetic circulation in the early phase to a hypokinetic circulation when the hypertension has been established and lasted for several months.Based on personal data the central haemodynamics in man with essential hypertension is discussed. A recent 10-year haemodynamic follow-up study in untreated essential hypertension is presented. These results are consistent with the concept of a similar restructuring of the high pressure compartments also in man with essential hypertension. Over the 10-year period, there was a decrease in cardiac index at rest and during exercise due to a decrease in the stroke volume, and an increase in the total peripheral resistance as well. Finally, the possibility of reversing these changes are briefly discussed.
Per Lund‐Johansen (1976) studied this question.