This book presents up-to-date information on how to assess early preclinical alterations in the heart, the small and large arteries and the kidney using the most sensitive, specific and cost-effective techniques. A wide variety of techniques are discussed, with careful attention to the latest developments. For each organ, evidence is documented regarding the prevalence of organ damage in the general and the hypertensive population. Information is provided on the potential induction of regression of organ damage by treatment, the criteria for establishing significant changes and the clinical prognostic significance of regression. The manual will be invaluable for all practitioners responsible for the clinical management of hypertensive patients, given that the assessment of early preclinical cardiovascular and renal damage permits more accurate risk stratification at baseline and facilitates evaluation of cardiovascular protection when regression of structural changes is achieved during treatment.

The Manual of Hypertension of the European Society of Hypertension reflects emerging concepts that have the potential to impact diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to hypertension. Updating all material, this new edition also delves into a number of areas that have received heightened interest in recent years or have become a matter of debate due to the controversial interpretation of the available data. FEATURES Reflects emerging concepts impacting diagnostic and therapeutic approaches Explores background, history, epidemiology, and risk factors Describes pharmacological, nonpharmacological, and medical treatments Examines hypertension in special populations and treatment

The Manual of Hypertension of the European Society of Hypertension reflects emerging concepts that have the potential to impact diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to hypertension. Updating all material, this new edition also delves into a number of areas that have received heightened interest in recent years or have become a matter of debate due to the controversial interpretation of the available data. FEATURES Reflects emerging concepts impacting diagnostic and therapeutic approaches Explores background, history, epidemiology, and risk factors Describes pharmacological, nonpharmacological, and medical treatments Examines hypertension in special populations and treatment

This book offers an extensive review of the most recent data on the pathophysiological role of structural and functional alterations in the microcirculation, particularly focusing on hypertension and diabetes. It covers several relevant and innovative aspects, including the possible mechanisms involved in the development of microvascular remodeling and rarefaction, the technical approaches available for the detection of microvascular alterations, including non-invasive evaluations, the prognostic role of changes in small resistance artery structure, the possibility of preventing or regressing such alterations with appropriate treatment, and the potential clinical advantages of such intervention. A number of innovative areas of research are considered, including the role of the immune system, inflammation and oxidative stress in the development of microvascular alterations. Lastly, it examines the availability of recent non-invasive methods for the evaluation of small resistance artery morphology in the retina, which in the near future may provide a useful tool for the stratification of cardiovascular risk and even for clinical decisions regarding drug treatment, thus providing physicians with a clinically relevant instrument for improving and optimizing the management of hypertensive and diabetic patients. The book provides valuable, clinically relevant information for specialists (cardiology, internal medicine, and endocrinology) and general practitioners, and also offers novel and stimulating data to basic and clinical researchers.