Current Hypertension Reviews - Volume 8, Issue 3, 2012

Hypertension, the condition characterized by sustained elevated blood pressure, affects over 25% of adults in developed countries and is accompanied by pathological cardiac remodeling (i.e., hypertrophy and fibrosis), thus being a major risk factor for cardiac failure. Life style, the environment, genetic factors, diabetes or obesity can all promote development and progression of hypertension associated cardiovascu Read More

Cationic channels with variable selectivity for Ca2+, K+, and Na+ are ubiquitous in non-excitable tissues as well as contractile cardiac cells and vascular smooth muscle (VSMC). They are involved in multiple cell functions, including contraction and proliferation of VSMC, key to the regulation of vascular tone and blood pressure. A large superfamily includes at least 28 highly conserved heterotetramer homologues of Drosophil Read More

Uncontrolled hypertension is directly associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) events and CV disease. Hypertension has been a major health care concern for decades, and numerous clinical guidelines recommend specific target blood pressure (BP) goals and evidence-based treatments. New data from outcomes studies continue to evolve after the publication of hypertension treatment guidelines. Considering Read More

Introduction: Despite improved control rates of hypertension in the United States during the last thirty years, the rate of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease has not demonstrated a similar resultant improvement. Purpose: The purpose for this review is to determine interventions in the treatment of hypertension that improve outcomes in the promotion of nephroprotection. Method: A systematic comprehensive se Read More

The pathogenesis and progression of cardiovascular diseases are thought to be exacerbated by stress. Basic research indicates that the Transcendental Meditation® technique produces acute and longitudinal reductions in sympathetic tone and stress reactivity. In adolescents at risk for hypertension, the technique has been found to reduce resting and ambulatory blood pressure, left ventricular mass, cardiovascular r Read More