Hochdruck und Herz

Arterial hypertension often leads to diseases of kidneys, vessels and brain. Besides these end organ damages the changes of the heart are of important role. Substantial consequences of hypertension are microangiopathy, interstitial fibrosis and left ventricular hypertrophy. Hence, as an early stage diastolic dysfunction results. Due to longer persistent hypertension also systolic dysfunction develops. Clinically, patients suffer from angina pectoris, dyspnoea and cardiac arrhythmias (i.e. atrial arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation). The left ventricular hypertrophy also is associated with an increased risk of malignant ventricular arrhythmias. The risk of sudden cardiac death is raised as well, in particular in patients with dilated heart and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. Well controlled antihypertensive therapy could lead to a regression of left ventricular hypertrophy. Hence, disorders and prognosis of the patients could be improved.