Hypertension and arterial development. Long-term considerations.

A considerable body of evidence supports the view that haemodynamic factors, acting during growth and development, affect the ultimate form of the larger arteries. Many of the changes induced in vessels by high pressure or flow are adaptive and effectively minimise alterations in vessel function, but these changes may predispose to degenerative disease. 'Early intervention' in arterial disease implies intervention in the first and second decades of life.