Essential hypertension and the sympathetic nervous system.
Sympathetic neural factors exert a key role in homeostatic blood pressure control. Evidence is available that abnormalities in sympathetic function may favour the development and progression of the hypertensive state. This paper will review the data collected throughout the years on the role of adrenergic mechanisms in the pathophysiology of the hypertensive state. It will then examine the mechanisms and the consequences of the sympathetic overdrive reported in hypertension, with particular emphasis on its role in the development of target organ damage. Finally the therapeutic implications of hypertension-related neurogenic abnormalities will be highlighted.
Grassi
Guido
G
Clinica Medica, Università Milano-Bicocca Ospedale San Gerardo, Via Pergolesi 33, 20052 Monza, Milan, Italy. guido.grassi@unimib.it
Quarti-Trevano
Fosca
F
Dell'oro
Raffaella
R
Mancia
Giuseppe
G
D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000378:metabolism; D013564:Sympathetic Nervous System / Q000503:physiopathology*
D009638:Norepinephrine