[Methods for studying vasodilator agents in arterial hypertension].

The concept of vasodilatation has evolved with regards to the treatment of hypertension. Large multicentre trials have shown that decreasing mean arterial pressure alone does not reduce coronary morbidity and mortality related to hypertension. The authors suggest that the haemodynamic abnormalities related to hypertensive disease were not totally reversed by the antihypertensive agents used in these trials. Regression of structural arterial changes, regression of LVH without altering systolic function, reduction of the variability of blood pressure and maintenance of regional blood flow should all be objectives of any antihypertensive vasodilator therapy. Methods of studying vasodilators are described and the effects of the main classes of antihypertensive drugs on these parameters are analysed.