The role of noninvasive hemodynamic monitoring in the evaluation and treatment of hypertension

Abstract

Advances in the understanding of the mechanisms accounting for the elevation of arterial pressure in essential hypertension suggest that there is value in assessing the relative contribution of hemodynamic factors in tailoring specific therapies to control arterial pressure. The non-invasive method of impedance cardiography (ICG) to measure hemodynamic abnormalities in hypertensive patients has emerged as a valuable adjuvant in the decision-making process of selecting antihypertensive agents. The technique is both accurate and reproducible in delineating the hemodynamic mechanisms of hypertension, comparing age-and gender-related changes in hemodynamics, detecting the presence of left ventricular dysfunction, and demonstrating clinically significant improvement in blood pressure control using ICG-guided therapy.