The role of the kidney in cardiovascular medicine

The relationship between the kidney and hypertension is complex. The kidney is both culprit and victim. Renal disease and even renal structural abnormalities (nephron underdosing) lead to hypertension. On the other hand, blood pressure (even blood pressure values in the range of normotension) accelerates a progressive loss of renal function in patients with primary renal disease. This review discusses some recent work in this field, emphasizing that multiple mechanisms are operative in renal hypertension, particularly a shift in the natriuresis-blood pressure relationship (blood pressure natriuresis), inappropriate activation of the renin-angiotensin system, sympathetic overactivity, and impaired endothelial cell-dependent vasodilatation. It also emphasizes the substantial revision of past recommendations concerning blood pressure targets. In renal patients, blood pressure should be reduced to levels below 125/75 mm Hg. In addition to blood pressure, a reduction in proteinuria is widely considered an additional treatment target.