Kidney and hypertension

Whether hypertension is the cause or effect of kidney disease is the long lasting question which has to be discussed in future. Together these two diseases have become epidemics in present society and are associated with the increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Over the last several decades multiple clinical, experimental and genetic studies have shown the kidney to be an important determinant of the essential hypertension. However, little is known about the direct mechanisms by which the kidney induces hypertension or why the blood pressure tends to rise in patients with chronic kidney disease. This paper described pathophysiology of the essential hypertension and its relationship to chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease. Particular focus has been drawn to effects of the renal sodium handling, renin angiotensin aldosterone system, the sympathetic system, as well as mediators of the vascular tone in development of kidney-induced hypertension. In addition, the mediators initiating and maintaining the progression of chronic kidney disease and the interrelation of these factors and development of hypertension have been discussed.