Main description:

Recently, several studies have shown the crucial role of viscoelastic properties of the aorta and large arteries in determining blood pressure values. A good knowledge of cardiovascular pathophysiology and vascular hemodynamics is necessary to understand these phenomena. However, available texts on this topic are very complex and difficult for medical practitioners to understand. The aim of this book is to enable the reader to comprehend the relation between cardiovascular pathophysiology and vascular hemodynamics and to become familiar with the more recent guidelines. While very complex physical concepts are involved, care has been taken to ensure that the explanations are as straightforward as possible. Complex analyses are presented separately and can be skipped by the reader without impairment of understanding. It is envisaged that the knowledge imparted will prove invaluable in improving the approach to hypertensive patients.

Contents:

CHAPTER 1 Introduction CHAPTER 2 Mean arterial pressure CHAPTER 3 Pulse pressure CHAPTER 4 Evaluation of the mechanical proprieties of large arteries CHAPTER 5 Central blood pressure CHAPTER 6 Pulse Wave Analysis CHAPTER 7 Central blood pressure and cardiovascular risk CHAPTER 8 Non-invasive measurement of central blood pressure CHAPTER 9 Instruments for the pulse wave analysis and the measurement of pulse wave velocity CHAPTER 10 Pulse wave velocity and pulse wave analysis in experimental animals ESSENTIAL BIBLIOGRAPHY