The Etiology of Hypertension in the Metabolic Syndrome Part One: An Introduction to the History, the Concept and the Models

Hypertension is a complex, multifactorial disorder which is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in the modern world. The study of hypertension in the context of the metabolic syndrome has yielded some important insights into the etiology of the condition. With the recent controversy surrounding the existence of the metabolic syndrome and the clear need for further research, we have undertaken a four part review of the literature in this field to provide a comprehensive overview of experimental and clinical research as it currently stands. In Part One, we review the history of hypertension and the metabolic syndrome, discuss the role of the metabolic syndrome as a concept and a diagnosis, and provide an introduction to insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia. We also provide a broad overview of the range of animal models which are used to study these conditions.