In 2017, the American Heart Association reported that one third of deaths in the United States, and 31% of deaths worldwide, are attributed to cardiovascular disease (CVD) [1]. A risk factor pervasive across most types of CVD is chronic high blood pressure, or hypertension [2]. Hypertension affects 32% of Americans and is more prevalent in the elderly population [3]. Primary treatment consists of lifestyle changes (e.g. diet, exercise, smoking cessation) and antihypertensive medication, but only half of patients taking medication find that their condition is well controlled [4]. When treatment for hypertension is ineffective, patients are at risk for developing CVD. Treatment for CVD depends on disease severity and presentation but often includes risky and invasive procedures to reinforce vessels or reroute blood flow.
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