ISC 2024 | The impact of hypertension on neurovascular function in neurodegenerative diseases

Costantino Iadecola, MD, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY, discusses the impact of hypertension on neurovascular function, focusing on its influence on neurovascular coupling and endothelium-dependent relaxation. Recent evidence indicates that when exposed to vascular risk factors like hypertension, immune cells closely associated with the blood vessels, such as perivascular macrophages and microglia, activate their inflammatory pathways. This diminishes blood vessel function, restricting their ability to dilate and constrict which leads to protein accumulation. Prof. Iadecola challenges traditional views, suggesting that vascular damage isn’t solely tied to blood flow, but also impacts clearance functions and neuronal homeostasis. Therefore, clinical approaches should be tailored to specific vascular risk factors, introducing a new avenue for therapeutic strategies. This interview took place during the International Stroke Conference 2024 in Phoenix, AZ.

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