The role of sympathetic activation in cardiovascular disease.
Activation of the sympathetic nervous system plays an important role in the development and maintenance of essential hypertension and the subsequent development of cardiac hypertrophy, heart failure, and sudden cardiac death. Current research suggests that pharmacologic treatment of hypertension should be aimed not only at lowering blood pressure, but also at inhibiting sympathetic drive.
Cohen
Jerome D
JD
St Louis University Health Sciences Center, 3525 Caroline St, St Louis, MO 63104, USA. cohenjd@swbell.net
Egan
Brent M
BM
D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013564:Sympathetic Nervous System / Q000187:drug effects / Q000503:physiopathology*