[Endothelial dysfunction in hypertension. The role of natriuretic peptides and endothelin].

Hypertension is a significant factor, increasing the risk of death by 3-5 times, both in women and men. Nowadays, an opinion became consolidated, being based on many trial results, that the key role in development of hypertension play complex and multiple mechanisms at the molecular level. They lead to many changes in cardiovascular system, including irreversible processes disturbing endothelial function and also causing excessive secretion of natriuretic hormones. The article below is a review of actual knowledge about endothelium, it's structure, secreted hormones and function in pathogenesis of hypertension. It also explains mechanisms of natriuretic peptide activity, which through the modulation of angiotensin, noradrenalin and endothelin concentration, regulates periferal vascular resistance and thus hypertension.