The role of the sympathetic nervous system in resistant hypertension: pathophysiological and clinical aspects

Abstract

Resistant arterial hypertension (HTN) is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease and mortality. Such clinical conditions as obesity, obstructive sleep apnea and hyperaldosteronism are interrelated links of the clinical phenotype of these patients. At the same time, these conditions are interrelated by the pathophysiological basis, i.e. activity of the sympathetic nervous system. Objective. To systematize data on the role of persistent sympathetic nervous system hyperactivation in the development and progression of resistant HTN. Design and methods. We searched for clinical studies and systematic reviews in databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library) examining the role of sympathetic overdrive, as well as treatment methods for resistant HTN aimed at blocking sympathetic activation. Results. Increased activity of the sympathetic nervous system is one of the most important links in the formation of resistance to antihypertensive therapy. Moreover, it is the chronic sympathetic overdrive that unites the most common risk factors of resistant HTN, namely obstructive sleep apnea, obesity and insulin resistance, renin-angiotensin system activation, and aldosterone hyperproduction. Conclusions. The increased interest in the study of the sympathetic nervous system in recent decades has contributed to the accumulation of new data on the pathophysiological and clinical aspects of resistant HTN, as well as expanded its treatment methods by introducing into clinical practice the technique of sympathetic denervation of the renal arteries. Further study of sympathetic activation contributes to the development of new therapeutic techniques and will change the management of patients with resistant HTN.