Journal Article Review Ahead of print
PubMed: 42536280 DOI: 10.1007/s40292-026-00813-5
Pathophysiology and Clinical Relevance of Microvascular Remodeling in Arterial Hypertension.
High Blood Press Cardiovasc Prev
Authors: Matteo Lemoli, Claudia Agabiti Rosei, Giacomo Buso, Claudia Rossini, Luigi Mori, Damiano Rizzoni, Massimo Salvetti, Maria Lorenza Muiesan, Carolina De Ciuceis
Affiliations
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, ASST Spedali Civili Brescia, University of Brescia, Piazza Spedali Civili 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy.
- Division of Medicine, Spedali Civili di Brescia, Montichiari, Brescia, Italy.
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, ASST Spedali Civili Brescia, University of Brescia, Piazza Spedali Civili 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy.
Abstract
Long-term exposure to high blood pressure leads to systemic structural and functional changes of microcirculation, a condition named microvascular remodeling. Microvascular remodeling can be assessed in subcutaneous small resistance arteries or non-invasively at the retinal level using Scanning Laser Doppler Flowmetry and Adaptive Optics. Capillary rarefaction is also a marker of hypertensive vascular impairment resulting in a lack of nutrient and oxygen supply. In hypertension, microvascular remodeling and large artery damage are part of a vicious cycle that eventually leads to target organ damage and worsen cardio-renal-cerebrovascular outcomes. This review describes the inflammatory nature of microvascular remodeling and aims to unravel the association of microvascular remodeling with hypertension-mediated organ damage, also providing an overview on its clinical relevance.
MeSH
Hypertension, Arteries