Novel and nonpharmacologic approaches to cardio-protection in hypertension

Curr Hypertens Rep. 2014 May;16(5):430. doi: 10.1007/s11906-014-0430-3.

Abstract

Hypertension has wide (30-45 %) prevalence in the general population and is related to important increases in overall cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Despite lifestyle modifications and optimal medical therapy (three drugs, one being diuretic), about 5-20 % of hypertensives are affected by resistant hypertension. Chronic high blood pressure has adverse effects on the heart and other organs such as the kidneys and vasculature. Renal sympathetic denervation and baroreceptor stimulation are invasive approaches initially investigated to treat resistant hypertension. Their pleiotropic effects appear promising in cardiovascular remodeling, heart failure and arrhythmias and could potentially affect cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antihypertensive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Blood Pressure / drug effects*
  • Cardiovascular System / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / drug therapy*
  • Hypertension / epidemiology*
  • Pressoreceptors / metabolism
  • Pressoreceptors / physiopathology
  • Sympathectomy / methods

Substances

  • Antihypertensive Agents