Obesity, sleep apnea, aldosterone, and hypertension

Curr Hypertens Rep. 2008 Jun;10(3):222-6. doi: 10.1007/s11906-008-0042-x.

Abstract

The pathogenesis of hypertension associated with obesity is unclear. This review provides evidence supporting excess visceral fat as an early aspect, and obstructive sleep apnea and elevated levels of aldosterone as factors closer to hypertension in the mechanistic chain. Features of visceral obesity and obstructive sleep apnea that may stimulate aldosterone secretion are described here. Possible therapeutic interventions addressing the hypertension associated with obesity are briefly mentioned.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aldosterone / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / etiology
  • Hypertension / physiopathology*
  • Hypertension / therapy
  • Metabolic Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists / therapeutic use*
  • Obesity / complications
  • Obesity / physiopathology*
  • Risk Factors
  • Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / physiopathology*
  • Spironolactone / therapeutic use
  • Sympathetic Nervous System / physiopathology

Substances

  • Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists
  • Spironolactone
  • Aldosterone