Cerebral Small Vessels Disease in Hypertension

Changes induced in microvascular circulation by hypertension have a progressive effect in both decline of cognitive function and risk of cerebrovascular events. Herein, the structural and hemodynamic changes induced in microcirculation by elevated blood pressure and the biunivocal relationship between them and systemic large artery function are explored. A review of the importance and impact of cerebral small vessel disease in the development of cognitive decline, as well as its contribution to the risk of dementia and stroke are discussed. Finally, a set of treatment target goals to reduce progression of cerebral small vessel disease (CsVD) as well as the evidence pertaining the use of different therapeutic strategies is revisited.