Should We Target the Sympathetic Nervous System in the Treatment of Obesity-Associated Hypertension?

A n estimated 60% to 70% of hypertension may be attributed to obesity. Considering that 30% of hypertensive subjects are undiagnosed, 40% remain untreated, and, of those being treated, 65% do not meet treatment goals, 2 the opening of the spigot of obesityassociated hypertension will result in an ever-growing number of patients with uncontrolled hypertension, particularly because obesity is a predictor of poor blood pressure control. t is important, therefore, to understand the pathophysiology of obesity-associated hypertension. This commentary focuses on the role that the sympathetic nervous system plays in this condition and its relevance to treatment.