PREDICTORS OF ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION IN WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE

Arterial hypertension (AH) continues to be one of the most pressing health concerns worldwide and is particularly significant among women of reproductive age[8]. In this population, the interaction between hormonal status, metabolic disturbances, and endothelial function plays a central role in disease development and progression [2,5]. Despite advances in research, the contribution of endothelin-1 (ET-1)—a potent vasoconstrictor peptide—to the onset of hypertension in this group has not been sufficiently explored. Endothelial dysfunction, characterized by an imbalance between vasodilators and vasoconstrictors, contributes to persistent increases in vascular tone. Reduced nitric oxide (NO) activity, combined with elevated ET-1 levels, may accelerate these changes and predispose women to early cardiovascular complications [4,9].