Mechanisms linking hypertension to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and their clinical implications: A comprehensive review
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Hypertension, one of the most prevalent chronic conditions worldwide, stands as a principal risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, including coronary heart disease and stroke. Recent advances have clarified a graded, dose-response relationship in which higher blood pressure is consistently associated with increased vascular event risk, with relative risks commonly ranging from modest elevations (~1.2) at the lower end of above-optimal blood pressure to substantially higher levels (>3.0) in more severe hypertension categories. This review synthesizes current evidence on how hypertension influences the incidence and progression of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, emphasizing its interplay with comorbid conditions such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and sleep apnea. Additionally, it explores the impact of blood pressure management targets on the prevention of adverse vascular events and evaluates the safety and efficacy of pharmacological treatments in diverse patient populations. Environmental contributors and their role in modulating disease risk are also addressed. By integrating epidemiological data with clinical research findings, this article aims to provide a comprehensive theoretical framework and practical guidance for the prevention and management of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complications in hypertensive patients.
Authors: Guangya Li, Jing Jing Zhang, Xiaojie Mou, Xin Zhuo, Weikai Li, Shenghao Zhang, Shuang Qi, Xiubin Li
Institutions: University of Macau, Shandong First Medical University
Language: English
Subfield: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7130846938