[Significance of arterial hypertension in the pathogenesis of arteriosclerotic vascular changes].

Issuing from a description of the formal pathogenetic course of the arteriosclerosis and a global coordination of the essential risk factors to this process the importance of the hypertension in this process is emphasized. Its importance lies in fact that it becomes effective in the cooperation with other risk factors, particularly a dys- and hyperlipoproteinaemia, on various key mechanisms of the pathogenetic course. This concerns above all the permeability of the endothelium and the stimulation of the smooth muscle cells. Moreover, a hypertension has an essential influence on the degree of severity of the arteriosclerotic changes and their temporary appearance. The importance of the increased blood pressure is proved with the help of several instances. As it is shown by experimental results and also by findings in man, the unique hypertension does not lead to arteriosclerotic changes of the vascular wall, but to reaction of another kind.