Pathogenesis and Clinical Significance of Constitutional Hypertension

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-1960

Publication Title

Angiology

ISSN

00033197

E-ISSN

19401574

Abstract

1. The term essential hypertension should be replaced by constitutional hypertension which designates the genetic factor in its etiology. Constitutional hypertension is not a disease in its own right, but is a predisposing condition to diseases of the heart and blood vessels. 2. The fundamental anomaly of constitutional hypertension is a deficient homeostasis of blood pressure which secures a steady maintenance of blood pressure by equalizing continuous daily variations. of “supplementary” blood pressure. 3. The homeostatic mechanism of blood pressure is guaranteed by the precise cooperation and interrelation of complex nervous and hormonal functions. Its perfection slowly deteriorates with advancing age and may be deficient ss a constitutional trait. 4. Constitutional hypertension results from multifactorial (polygenic) heredity and belongs to the same category of “continuous variability” as does the heredity of stature, physiognomy, intelligence or physiologic longevity. 5. Protracted chronic emotional strain is not an etiologic factor of constitutional hypertension if the homcostatic mechanism of blood pressure is perfect. 6. Aging of arteries (”presbyosclerosis”) may modify the clinical picture of constitutional hypertension. This can best be recognized by lowering of the diastolic pressure and thereby increasing pulse pressure. © 1960, Sage Publications. All rights reserved.

Volume

11

Issue

6

First Page

499

Last Page

507

DOI

10.1177/000331976001100602

PubMed ID

13687912

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