THE ROLE OF ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION IN CEREBROVASCULAR DISEASES

Abstract

Arterial hypertension is one of the most important and potentially modifiable risk factors for cerebrovascular diseases and remains a major contributor to stroke-related morbidity, mortality, and disability worldwide. Persistent elevation of blood pressure causes progressive structural and functional changes in the cerebral vasculature, including endothelial dysfunction, arterial remodeling, increased vascular stiffness, and damage to small cerebral vessels. These pathological changes impair cerebral autoregulation and increase the susceptibility of the brain to both ischemic and hemorrhagic events.