The Kidney and Hypertension

Abstract

The kidney and hypertension are critically linked. They appear to be linked particularly by the renin angiotensin system and the control of sodium balance. There are other mechanisms by which the kidney controls hypertension, but there are not as important as the above. In people with intrinsic renal disease hypertension increases the rate of deterioration and such hypertension should be treated energetically to prevent this deterioration. Long-standing chronic mild impairment of renal function leads to hypertension and vascular disease. This hypertension and vascular disease causes further deterioration of renal function, setting up a vicious cycle and an irreversible process unless measures are taken to interrupt the cycle.