Current Hypertension Reviews - Volume 9, Issue 2, 2013

In addition to centrally regulating electrolyte homeostasis and blood pressure, angiotensin IIhas various general effects on the central nervous system. The existence of renin-angiotensin system components in the brain has been well established. Angiotensin II and other renin-angiotensin system components are synthesized and distributed throughout the brain. Post-ischemic oral administration of a non-hypotensive dose ( Read More

Recent studies have suggested that blood-brain barrier (BBB) abnormalities are present from an early stage in patients exhibiting mild symptoms of cognitive impairment during the development of hypertension. There is also growing body of evidence suggesting the potential role of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in the pathogenesis of small-vessel disease and cognitive impairment. However, the specific contribution of th Read More

The renoprotective effects of benidipine, a calcium channel blocker (CCB) developed in Japan, are reviewed herein. Benidipine has a sustained antihypertensive effect independent of its blood concentration since it binds to dihydropyridine (DHP) receptors via a “membrane approach” (approach to the cell membrane followed by long retention at the DHP binding site). Benidipine dilates glomerular afferent and efferent Read More

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common genetic cause of kidney failure in the world. Currently there are no treatments to prevent kidney due to ADPKD. Vitamin D is traditionally known for its role in maintaining calcium balance and normal bone health, but it is being increasingly being recognised for a number of other important physiological functions, including reducing blood pressure a Read More

Renal artery stenosis especially that due to atherosclerotic peripheral vascular disease is increasing in the population. The role of the renin angiotensin aldosterone system in the pathogenesis of renovascular hypertension is widely accepted. There is increasing recognition of the role of the sympathetic nervous system, from both afferent and efferent signaling pathways, as a contributor to development of hypertension. I Read More

Hypertension is a major global public health problem, resulting in over 7.6 million deaths per year (13.5% of the total), more than any other cardiovascular disease risk factor. Exercise decreases blood pressure (BP) 5-7 mmHg among those with hypertension. Thus, the American College of Sports Medicine recommends the exercise prescription (ExRx) of 30 min or more of moderate intensity, aerobic activity on most days Read More

Hypertension is a key factor of cardiovascular disease. Many organs and systems including heart, blood vessel, kidney, sympathetic nerve, and endocrine systems are involved in the regulation of blood pressure. In particular, the kidney plays an essential role in the regulation of blood pressure, but is also quite vulnerable to hypertensive tissue damage. For example, most chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients have hyp Read More

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is now recognized as the most frequent form of secondary arterial hypertension. The importance of a correct and prompt diagnosis of PA is determined by its relevant prevalence, its increased cardiovascular risk compared to essential hypertension and by the possibility of reversing this increased risk with a targeted therapy. Surgical treatment of unilateral forms of PA (mainly aldosterone-prod Read More