Renin and prorenin as biomarkers in hypertension

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review examines the evidence that plasma renin and/or prorenin level may be used to guide therapy in hypertension and as an independent risk factor for future cardiovascular events. RECENT FINDINGS: A large number of retrospective analyses of patient populations in clinical trials, in whom 'baseline' renin measurements were available, supports that high renin, but not high prorenin levels, are indicative of future cardiovascular disease and death, particularly in patients with kidney dysfunction and/or hypertension. The relationship is not affected by the use of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockers. High renin levels also tend to support the use of RAS inhibitors as first-choice antihypertensive agents. However, the added value of a renin measurement on top of traditional risk factors is modest, and the pressure response to RAS blockade, even in high-renin patients, varies widely. SUMMARY: Measuring 'baseline' renin as a marker of future cardiovascular events or to determine the choice of drug is of limited value in an individual patient.