Hypertension and the kidneys--inter-relationship and therapeutic approach.

Over the last decade, a great body of evidence has pointed towards the role of kidneys in the genesis and maintenance of a hypertensive state. There exists a relationship between a rise in the blood pressure and a proportionate increase in the urinary excretion of sodium and water called the pressure-natriuresis curve. Chronic renal diseases are the most common causes of secondary hypertension accounting for 2-5% of all cases of secondary hypertension. The prevalence rate of renovascular hypertension based upon referral patterns range from 0.2% to 10% of hypertensive population. The data provided by the International Registries on end-stage renal disease have suggested that essential hypertension is an important cause of progressive renal damage. The pathological lesion observed in malignant hypertension is fibrinoid necrosis of the small arteries and arterioles. Amongst the armamentarium of antihypertensive drugs calcium channel antagonists and the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors have a role in limiting glomerular hypertension. The best modality to prevent and treat renal dysfunction in the presence of hypertension is an adequate and effective control of high blood pressure.