Chronic hypertension pathophysiology: Difference between revisions

Jump to navigation Jump to search
No edit summary
 
(51 intermediate revisions by 3 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
__NOTOC__
__NOTOC__
{{Template:Hypertension}}
{{Chronic hypertension}}
{{CMG}}; '''Assistant Editor-In-Chief:'''[[User:YazanDaaboul|Yazan Daaboul]], [[User:Sergekorjian|Serge Korjian]], [[User:Rim Halaby|Rim Halaby]]
{{CMG}}; '''Assistant Editor-In-Chief:'''[[User:YazanDaaboul|Yazan Daaboul]], [[User:Sergekorjian|Serge Korjian]]
==Overview==
==Overview==
Although the pathophysiology of secondary [[hypertension]] is known, there is still much debate about the true pathogenesis of primary (essential) hypertension. It is now conceded that hypertension is caused by multiple [[genetic]] and environmental factors with varying roles between individuals <ref name="pmid16512265">{{cite journal| author=Cuddy ML| title=Treatment of hypertension: guidelines from JNC 7 (the seventh report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure 1). | journal=J Pract Nurs | year= 2005 | volume= 55 | issue= 4 | pages= 17-21; quiz 22-3 | pmid=16512265 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=16512265  }} </ref>.
Although the pathophysiology of secondary [[hypertension]] has been outlined, there is still much debate about the true pathogenesis of primary (essential) hypertension. It is now conceded that hypertension is caused by multiple [[genetic]] and environmental factors with varying roles between individuals.<ref name="pmid16512265">{{cite journal| author=Cuddy ML| title=Treatment of hypertension: guidelines from JNC 7 (the seventh report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure 1). | journal=J Pract Nurs | year= 2005 | volume= 55 | issue= 4 | pages= 17-21; quiz 22-3 | pmid=16512265 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=16512265  }} </ref>


==Pathophysiology==
==Pathophysiology==
Below is a figure summarizing the pathophysiology of essential hypertension:


===Cardiac Output and Peripheral Vascular Resistance===  
[[Image:Pathophysiology_of_hypertension.png|700px|center]]
*Patients with hypertension usually have an increased peripheral vascular resistance, which is determined largely by the [[arterioles]] which are known for their relative increase in wall thickness determined basically by the [[smooth muscle cells]].
 
*Intracellular [[calcium]] concentrations are increased causing [[vasoconstriction]].
===Genetics===
*This vasoconstriction is multifactorial but is ultimately linked to continuous increase in intracellular [[calcium]].
*Epidemiological studies suggest that [[genetic]] factors account for 30% of blood pressure variations in populations.<ref name="pmid11302910">{{cite journal| author=Beevers G, Lip GY, O'Brien E| title=ABC of hypertension: The pathophysiology of hypertension. | journal=BMJ | year= 2001 | volume= 322 | issue= 7291 | pages= 912-6 | pmid=11302910 | doi= | pmc=PMC1120075 |url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=11302910 }} </ref><ref name="pmid12747893">{{cite journal| author=Staessen JA, Wang J, Bianchi G, Birkenhäger WH|title=Essential hypertension. | journal=Lancet | year= 2003 | volume= 361 | issue= 9369 | pages= 1629-41 | pmid=12747893 | doi=10.1016/S0140-6736(03)13302-8 | pmc= |url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=12747893 }} </ref>
*Prolonged constriction contributes to the overall structural damage to [[arterioles]] and consequential elevation of [[blood pressure]].
*The prevalence of hypertension in patients with family history is almost double than those with no family history.
*Notably, the [[cardiac output]] in hypertensive patients is generally normal. With age, decreased compliance of central arteries predominates, thus contributing mostly to systolic hypertension in the elderly<ref name="pmid11302910">{{cite journal| author=Beevers G, Lip GY, O'Brien E| title=ABC of hypertension: The pathophysiology of hypertension. | journal=BMJ | year= 2001 | volume= 322 | issue= 7291 | pages= 912-6 | pmid=11302910 | doi= | pmc=PMC1120075 | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=11302910 }} </ref>.
*Examples of [[genetic]] hypertension where specific genetic mutations were identified include, but are not limited to, some forms of primary [[hyperaldosteronism]], [[pseudohyperaldosteronism]], Liddle Syndrome, and syndrome of apparent mineralocorticoid excess.<ref name="pmid16512265">{{cite journal| author=Cuddy ML| title=Treatment of hypertension: guidelines from JNC 7 (the seventh report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure 1). | journal=J Pract Nurs | year= 2005 | volume= 55 | issue= 4 | pages= 17-21; quiz 22-3 |pmid=16512265 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=16512265 }} </ref>
*[[Gene therapy]] may be a promising novel therapeutic approach to treat hypertension.<ref name="pmid14597461">{{cite journal| author=Oparil S, Zaman MA, Calhoun DA| title=Pathogenesis of hypertension. | journal=Ann Intern Med | year= 2003 | volume= 139 | issue= 9 | pages= 761-76 |pmid=14597461 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=14597461 }} </ref>
 
===Peripheral Vascular Resistance <span style="font-size:70%"><ref name="pmid11302910">{{cite journal|author=Beevers G, Lip GY, O'Brien E| title=ABC of hypertension: The pathophysiology of hypertension.| journal=BMJ | year= 2001 | volume= 322 | issue= 7291 | pages= 912-6 | pmid=11302910 | doi= |pmc=PMC1120075 | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=11302910 }} </ref></span>===
*Patients with hypertension usually have an increased peripheral vascular resistance, which is determined largely by the [[arterioles]] with an associated increase in the thickness of [[smooth muscle cells]].
*Intracellular [[calcium]] concentrations are increased, contributing to [[vasoconstriction]].
*This vasoconstriction is multifactorial, but the final common pathway is ultimately linked to a sustained increase in intracellular [[calcium]].
*Prolonged constriction leads to a structural damage to [[arterioles]] consequently an elevation in [[blood pressure]].
 
===Cardiac Output===
*Notably, the [[cardiac output]] in hypertensive patients is generally normal. With age, the decreased compliance of central arteries predominates, causing systolic hypertension in the elderly.


===Renin-Angiotensin Aldosterone System (RAAS)===
===Renin-Angiotensin Aldosterone System (RAAS)===
*While the systemic role of [[RAAS]] shows little evidence of contribution; local release of renin-angiotensin in the [[kidney]], [[heart]], and [[arteries]] seems to play a much more important role in the pathogenesis of hypertension <ref name="pmid11302910">{{cite journal| author=Beevers G, Lip GY, O'Brien E| title=ABC of hypertension: The pathophysiology of hypertension. | journal=BMJ | year= 2001 | volume= 322 | issue= 7291 | pages= 912-6 | pmid=11302910 | doi= | pmc=PMC1120075 | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=11302910  }} </ref>.
*While the systemic role of [[RAAS]] shows little evidence of contribution, local release of renin-angiotensin in the [[kidneys]], [[heart]], and [[arteries]] seems to play a much more important role in the pathogenesis of hypertension.<ref name="pmid11302910">{{cite journal| author=Beevers G, Lip GY, O'Brien E| title=ABC of hypertension: The pathophysiology of hypertension. | journal=BMJ | year= 2001 | volume= 322 | issue= 7291 | pages= 912-6 | pmid=11302910 | doi= | pmc=PMC1120075 | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=11302910  }} </ref>
*Angiotensin II constricts resistance vessels, directly stimulates renal sodium reabsorption, activates [[aldosterone]] to increase sodium reabsorption, helps release [[antidiuretic hormone]] (ADH), and promotes sympathetic activity of the [[autonomic nervous system]] <ref name="pmid14597461">{{cite journal| author=Oparil S, Zaman MA, Calhoun DA| title=Pathogenesis of hypertension. | journal=Ann Intern Med | year= 2003 | volume= 139 | issue= 9 | pages= 761-76 | pmid=14597461 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=14597461  }} </ref>.
*Angiotensin II constricts resistance vessels, directly stimulates renal sodium reabsorption, activates [[aldosterone]] to increase sodium reabsorption, helps release [[antidiuretic hormone]] (ADH), and promotes sympathetic activity of the [[autonomic nervous system]].<ref name="pmid14597461">{{cite journal| author=Oparil S, Zaman MA, Calhoun DA| title=Pathogenesis of hypertension. | journal=Ann Intern Med | year= 2003 | volume= 139 | issue= 9 | pages= 761-76 | pmid=14597461 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=14597461  }} </ref>
*[[Aldosterone]] increases sodium reabsorption by increasing the quantity of open sodium channels in the luminal membrane of the principal cells of the collecting tubules in the [[kidney]].
*[[Aldosterone]] increases sodium reabsorption by increasing the quantity of open sodium channels in the luminal membrane of the principal cells of the collecting tubules in the [[kidney]].
*Furthermore, [[aldosterone]] has a nongenomic effect in increasing fibrosis, collagen deposition, inflammation, and cardiovascular remodeling <ref name="pmid20448074">{{cite journal| author=Schrier RW, Masoumi A, Elhassan E| title=Aldosterone: role in edematous disorders, hypertension, chronic renal failure, and metabolic syndrome. | journal=Clin J Am Soc Nephrol | year= 2010 | volume= 5 | issue= 6 | pages= 1132-40 | pmid=20448074 | doi=10.2215/CJN.01410210 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=20448074  }} </ref>.
*Furthermore, [[aldosterone]] has a non-genomic effect in increasing fibrosis, collagen deposition, inflammation, and cardiovascular remodeling.<ref name="pmid20448074">{{cite journal| author=Schrier RW, Masoumi A, Elhassan E| title=Aldosterone: role in edematous disorders, hypertension, chronic renal failure, and metabolic syndrome. | journal=Clin J Am Soc Nephrol | year= 2010 | volume= 5 | issue= 6 | pages= 1132-40 | pmid=20448074 | doi=10.2215/CJN.01410210 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=20448074  }} </ref>
 
===Autonomic Nervous System===
*Exact role of [[sympathetic nervous system]] in hypertension remains controversial.
*Effect of [[beta blockers|beta]] and [[alpha-blocker]]s as anti-hypertensive agents validates that [[sympathetic nervous system]] is, at least partially, involved in hypertension.
*There is ample evidence that [[norepinephrine]] concentrations and rate of norepinephrine spillover from sympathetic nerve terminals are markedly elevated in patients with essential hypertension<ref name="pmid10489093">{{cite journal| author=Rahn KH, Barenbrock M, Hausberg M| title=The sympathetic nervous system in the pathogenesis of hypertension. | journal=J Hypertens Suppl | year= 1999 | volume= 17 | issue= 3 | pages= S11-4 | pmid=10489093 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=10489093  }} </ref>.
* Humoral, metabolic, reflex, and central mechanisms of adrenergic activation are all contributory to characterizing hypertension<ref name="pmid10523349">{{cite journal| author=Mancia G, Grassi G, Giannattasio C, Seravalle G| title=Sympathetic activation in the pathogenesis of hypertension and progression of organ damage. | journal=Hypertension | year= 1999 | volume= 34 | issue= 4 Pt 2 | pages= 724-8 | pmid=10523349 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=10523349  }} </ref>.


===Role of Pressure Natriuresis and Renal Damage===  
===Autonomic Nervous System <span style="font-size:70%"><ref name="pmid11302910">{{cite journal| author=Beevers G, Lip GY, O'Brien E| title=ABC of hypertension: The pathophysiology of hypertension. | journal=BMJ | year= 2001 | volume= 322 | issue= 7291 | pages= 912-6 | pmid=11302910 | doi= | pmc=PMC1120075 | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=11302910 }} </ref></span>===  
*Pressure [[natriuresis]] is the effect of arterial pressure on sodium excretion. Experimental evidence has shown that pressure natriuresis is impaired in hypertension even without significant variations in renal blood flow or changes in [[glomerular filtration rate]] (GFR).
*The role of [[sympathetic nervous system]] in hypertension remains controversial.
*In non-hypertensive patients, the increased blood pressure is countered by activation of the renal pressure natriuresis to allow maintenance of normal sodium balance and [[blood pressure]] <ref name="pmid(Ref: 12623970)">{{cite journal| author=Hall JE| title=The kidney, hypertension, and obesity. | journal=Hypertension | year= 2003 | volume= 41 | issue= 3 Pt 2 | pages= 625-33 | pmid=(Ref: 12623970) | doi=10.1161/01.HYP.0000052314.95497.78 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=12623970 }} </ref>. In hypertensive patients, however, pressure [[natriuresis]] seems to be permanently set at a higher BP threshold, whereby an inappropriately normal sodium excretion rate is maintained despite the high blood pressure values.
*The effectiveness of [[beta blockers]] and [[alpha blockers]] as anti-hypertensive agents validates that [[sympathetic nervous system]] is, at least partially, involved in hypertension.
*Renal damage follows via loss of [[nephron]] function leading to a vicious circle of further impairment of pressure natriuresis and elevated BP<ref name="pmid10523349">{{cite journal| author=Mancia G, Grassi G, Giannattasio C, Seravalle G| title=Sympathetic activation in the pathogenesis of hypertension and progression of organ damage. | journal=Hypertension | year= 1999 | volume= 34 | issue= 4 Pt 2 | pages= 724-8 | pmid=10523349 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=10523349  }} </ref>.
*There is ample evidence that [[norepinephrine]] concentration and rate of norepinephrine spillover from sympathetic nerve terminals are markedly elevated in patients with essential hypertension.<ref name="pmid10489093">{{cite journal| author=Rahn KH, Barenbrock M, Hausberg M| title=The sympathetic nervous system in the pathogenesis of hypertension. | journal=J Hypertens Suppl | year= 1999 | volume= 17 | issue= 3 | pages= S11-4 | pmid=10489093 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=10489093 }} </ref>
* Humoral, metabolic, reflex, and central mechanisms of [[adrenergic]] activation are all contributory to characterizing hypertension.<ref name="pmid10523349">{{cite journal| author=Mancia G, Grassi G, Giannattasio C, Seravalle G| title=Sympathetic activation in the pathogenesis of hypertension and progression of organ damage. | journal=Hypertension | year= 1999 | volume= 34 | issue= 4 Pt 2 | pages= 724-8 | pmid=10523349 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=10523349  }} </ref>


===Endothelial Dysfunction===
===Role of Pressure Natriuresis and Renal Damage <span style="font-size:70%"><ref name="pmid10523349">{{cite journal|author=Mancia G, Grassi G, Giannattasio C, Seravalle G| title=Sympathetic activation in the pathogenesis of hypertension and progression of organ damage. | journal=Hypertension | year= 1999 |volume= 34 | issue= 4 Pt 2 | pages= 724-8 | pmid=10523349 | doi= | pmc= |url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=10523349 }} </ref></span>===  
*The vascular [[endothelium]] plays an important vasoactive role via release of vasoactive substances, such as [[nitric oxide]] and [[endothelin]].
*Pressure [[natriuresis]] is the impact of the arterial pressure head on sodium excretion. Experimental evidence has shown that pressure natriuresis is impaired in hypertension even without significant variations in renal blood flow or changes in [[glomerular filtration rate]] (GFR).
*The cross-talk between the [[endothelium]] and the media is an important determinant of the function of the latter.
*In non-hypertensive patients, the increased blood pressure is countered by activation of the renal pressure natriuresis to allow maintenance of normal sodium balance and [[blood pressure]]. In hypertensive patients, however, pressure [[natriuresis]] seems to be permanently set at a higher BP threshold, whereby an inappropriately normal sodium excretion rate is maintained despite the high blood pressure values.
*Endothelial dysfunction and permanent endothelial structural changes seem to be responsible for irreversible changes of the vascular bed and of chronic hypertension.
*Renal damage follows via loss of [[nephron]] function leading to a vicious circle of further impairment of pressure natriuresis and elevated BP.
* Furthermore, [[renal microvascular disease]] is currently hypothesized as an important factor leading to the development of [[hypertension]]<ref name="pmid20282156">{{cite journal| author=GOLDBLATT H| title=The renal origin of hypertension. | journal=Physiol Rev | year= 1947 | volume= 27 | issue= 1 | pages= 120-65 | pmid=20282156 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=20282156  }} </ref> <ref name="pmid11302910">{{cite journal| author=Beevers G, Lip GY, O'Brien E| title=ABC of hypertension: The pathophysiology of hypertension. | journal=BMJ | year= 2001 | volume= 322 | issue= 7291 | pages= 912-6 | pmid=11302910 | doi= | pmc=PMC1120075 | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=11302910  }} </ref>.
====Role of Vasoactive Substances====
*Increased role of vasoconstrive substances, such as:
**[[Endothelin]]: Potent local vasoactive peptide with vasoconstrictor properties. Development of [[endothelin receptor antagonist]] for the treatment of systemic hypertension has been discontinued because of [[teratogenicity]], [[testicular atrophy]], and hepatotoxicity.
**[[Ouabain]]: Steroid-like substance that plays a role in [[sodium]] and [[calcium]] transport.


*Defect in vasodilatory substances, such as:
===Endothelial Dysfunction <span style="font-size:70%"><ref name="pmid11302910">{{cite journal| author=Beevers G, Lip GY, O'Brien E| title=ABC of hypertension: The pathophysiology of hypertension. | journal=BMJ | year= 2001 | volume= 322 | issue= 7291 | pages= 912-6 | pmid=11302910 | doi= | pmc=PMC1120075 | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=11302910 }} </ref></span>===
**[[Nitric oxide]]: Potent [[vasodilator]], whose role is diminished in hypertension.
*The vascular [[endothelium]] plays an important role in releasing [[vasodilators]] such as [[nitric oxide]] and [[endothelin]].
**[[Bradykinin]]: Potent vasodilator, inhibited by RAAS in hypertensive patients.
*Endothelial cell dysfunction and permanent endothelial structural changes may play a role at least in part in the irreversible changes of the vascular bed in chronic hypertension.
**[[Atrial natriuretic peptide]] (ANP): Hormone secreted by cardiac atria in response to atrial stretch by increased blood volume. Physiologically, it induces natriuresis to decrease blood volume.<ref name="pmid11302910">{{cite journal| author=Beevers G, Lip GY, O'Brien E| title=ABC of hypertension: The pathophysiology of hypertension. | journal=BMJ | year= 2001 | volume= 322 | issue= 7291 | pages= 912-6 | pmid=11302910 | doi= | pmc=PMC1120075 | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=11302910  }} </ref> <ref name="pmid14597461">{{cite journal| author=Oparil S, Zaman MA, Calhoun DA| title=Pathogenesis of hypertension. | journal=Ann Intern Med | year= 2003 | volume= 139 | issue= 9 | pages= 761-76 | pmid=14597461 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=14597461  }} </ref>.
* Furthermore, [[renal microvascular disease]] is currently hypothesized as an important factor leading to the development of [[hypertension]].<ref name="pmid20282156">{{cite journal| author=GOLDBLATT H| title=The renal origin of hypertension. | journal=Physiol Rev | year= 1947 | volume= 27 | issue= 1 | pages= 120-65 | pmid=20282156 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=20282156  }} </ref>
**'''Increased role of vasoconstrive substances:'''
***[[Endothelin]]: Potent local vasoactive peptide with vasoconstrictor properties. Development of [[endothelin receptor antagonist]] for the treatment of systemic hypertension has been discontinued because of [[teratogenicity]], [[testicular atrophy]] and [[hepatotoxicity]].<ref name="pmid14597461">{{cite journal| author=Oparil S, Zaman MA, Calhoun DA| title=Pathogenesis of hypertension. | journal=Ann Intern Med | year= 2003 | volume= 139 | issue= 9 | pages= 761-76 | pmid=14597461 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=14597461 }} </ref>
***[[Ouabain]]: Steroid-like substance that plays a role in [[sodium]] and [[calcium]] transport.<ref name="pmid11302910">{{cite journal| author=Beevers G, Lip GY, O'Brien E| title=ABC of hypertension: The pathophysiology of hypertension. | journal=BMJ | year= 2001 |volume= 322 | issue= 7291 | pages= 912-6 | pmid=11302910 | doi= | pmc=PMC1120075 |url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=11302910 }} </ref>
**'''Defect in vasodilatory substances:'''
***[[Nitric oxide]]: Potent [[vasodilator]], whose role is diminished in hypertension.<ref name="pmid14597461">{{cite journal| author=Oparil S, Zaman MA, Calhoun DA| title=Pathogenesis of hypertension. | journal=Ann Intern Med | year= 2003 | volume= 139 | issue= 9 | pages= 761-76 |pmid=14597461 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=14597461 }} </ref>
***[[Bradykinin]]: Potent vasodilator, inhibited by RAAS in hypertensive patients.<ref name="pmid11302910">{{cite journal| author=Beevers G, Lip GY, O'Brien E| title=ABC of hypertension: The pathophysiology of hypertension. | journal=BMJ | year= 2001 |volume= 322 | issue= 7291 | pages= 912-6 | pmid=11302910 | doi= | pmc=PMC1120075 |url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=11302910 }} </ref>
***[[Atrial natriuretic peptide]] (ANP): Hormone secreted by cardiac atria in response to atrial stretch by increased blood volume. Physiologically, it induces natriuresis to decrease blood volume.<ref name="pmid11302910">{{cite journal| author=Beevers G, Lip GY, O'Brien E| title=ABC of hypertension: The pathophysiology of hypertension. | journal=BMJ | year= 2001 | volume= 322 | issue= 7291 | pages= 912-6 | pmid=11302910 | doi= | pmc=PMC1120075 | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=11302910  }} </ref><ref name="pmid14597461">{{cite journal| author=Oparil S, Zaman MA, Calhoun DA| title=Pathogenesis of hypertension. | journal=Ann Intern Med | year= 2003 | volume= 139 | issue= 9 | pages= 761-76 | pmid=14597461 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=14597461  }} </ref>


===Environmental Factors===
===Environmental Factors===
*[[Obesity]] and [[metabolic syndrome]] play a major indirect role in the pathogenesis of hypertension by increasing renal tubular reabsorption, impairment of pressure natriuresis, and activation of sympathetic and RAAS <ref name="pmid(Ref: 12623970)">{{cite journal| author=Hall JE| title=The kidney, hypertension, and obesity. | journal=Hypertension | year= 2003 | volume= 41 | issue= 3 Pt 2 | pages= 625-33 | pmid=(Ref: 12623970) | doi=10.1161/01.HYP.0000052314.95497.78 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=12623970  }} </ref>.
*[[Obesity]] and [[metabolic syndrome]] play a major indirect role in the pathogenesis of hypertension by increasing [[renal tubular reabsorption]], impairment of pressure [[natriuresis]], and activation of sympathetic and [[RAAS]]. <ref name="pmid(Ref: 12623970)">{{cite journal| author=Hall JE| title=The kidney, hypertension, and obesity. | journal=Hypertension | year= 2003 | volume= 41 | issue= 3 Pt 2 | pages= 625-33 | pmid=(Ref: 12623970) | doi=10.1161/01.HYP.0000052314.95497.78 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=12623970  }} </ref>
*Emotional stress causes immediate, but transient, increase in [[blood pressure]]. Although stress, per se, has not been shown to cause [[hypertension]], it has been hypothesized that stress contributes to development of hypertension and when risk factors of hypertension are accompanied by environmental stress, the outcome on blood pressure is worse<ref name="pmid9894438">{{cite journal| author=Kulkarni S, O'Farrell I, Erasi M, Kochar MS| title=Stress and hypertension. | journal=WMJ | year= 1998 | volume= 97 | issue= 11 | pages= 34-8 | pmid=9894438 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=9894438  }} </ref>.
*Acute emotional stress can cause an immediate, but transient, increase in [[blood pressure]]. Although chronic stress, per se, has not been shown to cause [[hypertension]], it has been hypothesized that chronic stress may contribute at least in part or may play an additive role in the context of other risk factors.<ref name="pmid9894438">{{cite journal| author=Kulkarni S, O'Farrell I, Erasi M, Kochar MS| title=Stress and hypertension. | journal=WMJ | year= 1998 | volume= 97 | issue= 11 | pages= 34-8 | pmid=9894438 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=9894438  }} </ref>
*Similarly, depression seems to negatively affect hypertension, despite scarce scientific evidence. It remains controversial whether depression develops secondary to hypertension or causes it and whether antidepressant medications are the only etiology of hypertension in depression<ref name="pmid15962086">{{cite journal| author=Scalco AZ, Scalco MZ, Azul JB, Lotufo Neto F| title=Hypertension and depression. | journal=Clinics (Sao Paulo) | year= 2005 | volume= 60 | issue= 3 | pages= 241-50 | pmid=15962086 | doi=/S1807-59322005000300010 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=15962086  }} </ref>.
*It remains controversial as to whether depression develops secondary to hypertension or alternatively if it causes hypertension.  It is also unclear if [[antidepressant]] medications contribute to hypertension in depression.<ref name="pmid15962086">{{cite journal| author=Scalco AZ, Scalco MZ, Azul JB, Lotufo Neto F| title=Hypertension and depression. | journal=Clinics (Sao Paulo) | year= 2005 | volume= 60 | issue= 3 | pages= 241-50 | pmid=15962086 | doi=/S1807-59322005000300010 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=15962086  }} </ref>
 
 
Shown below is an image that summarizes the pathophysiology of hypertension.
[[Image:Pathophysiology_of_HTN.png|centre|Pathogenesis of Essential Hypertension. Adapted from Oparil S, Zaman MA, Calhoun DA. Pathogenesis of Hypertension. Ann Intern Med. 2003, 139(9):761-76]]
===Genetics===
 
*Epidemiological studies suggest that genetic factors account for 30% of blood pressure variations in populations <ref name="pmid11302910">{{cite journal| author=Beevers G, Lip GY, O'Brien E| title=ABC of hypertension: The pathophysiology of hypertension. | journal=BMJ | year= 2001 | volume= 322 | issue= 7291 | pages= 912-6 | pmid=11302910 | doi= | pmc=PMC1120075 | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=11302910  }} </ref> <ref name="pmid12747893">{{cite journal| author=Staessen JA, Wang J, Bianchi G, Birkenhäger WH| title=Essential hypertension. | journal=Lancet | year= 2003 | volume= 361 | issue= 9369 | pages= 1629-41 | pmid=12747893 | doi=10.1016/S0140-6736(03)13302-8 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=12747893  }} </ref>.
*The prevalence of hypertension in patients with family history is almost double than those with no family history.
*Examples of genetic hypertension where specific genetic mutations were identified include, but are not limited to, some forms of primary [[hyperaldosteronism]], pseudohyperaldosteronism, [[Liddle Syndrome]], and syndrome of apparent [[mineralocorticoid]] excess<ref name="pmid16512265">{{cite journal| author=Cuddy ML| title=Treatment of hypertension: guidelines from JNC 7 (the seventh report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure 1). | journal=J Pract Nurs | year= 2005 | volume= 55 | issue= 4 | pages= 17-21; quiz 22-3 | pmid=16512265 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=16512265  }} </ref>.
 
*Inherited cardiovascular risk factors must not be overlooked in the pathogenesis of hypertension <ref name="pmid14597461">{{cite journal| author=Oparil S, Zaman MA, Calhoun DA| title=Pathogenesis of hypertension. | journal=Ann Intern Med | year= 2003 | volume= 139 | issue= 9 | pages= 761-76 | pmid=14597461 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=14597461  }} </ref>.
*Gene therapy may be a promising novel therapeutic approach to treat hypertension <ref name="pmid14597461">{{cite journal| author=Oparil S, Zaman MA, Calhoun DA| title=Pathogenesis of hypertension. | journal=Ann Intern Med | year= 2003 | volume= 139 | issue= 9 | pages= 761-76 | pmid=14597461 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=14597461  }} </ref>.


==References==
==References==

Latest revision as of 14:01, 17 May 2017

Chronic Hypertension Microchapters

Home

2017 ACC/AHA Hypertension Guidelines

Patient Information

Overview

Definition

Classification

Pathophysiology

Causes

Differentiating Hypertension from other Diseases

Epidemiology and Demographics

Risk Factors

Screening

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

Diagnosis

History and Symptoms

Blood Pressure Measurement

Physical Examination

Laboratory Findings

Electrocardiogram

ETT

Echocardiography

CT

MRI

Other Diagnostic Studies

Treatment

Lifestyle Modification

Medical Therapy

Practice Guidelines

Case Studies

Case #1

Chronic hypertension pathophysiology On the Web

Most recent articles

Most cited articles

Review articles

CME Programs

Powerpoint slides

Images

Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov

US National Guidelines Clearinghouse

NICE Guidance

FDA on Chronic hypertension pathophysiology

CDC on Chronic hypertension pathophysiology

Chronic hypertension pathophysiology in the news

Blogs on Chronic hypertension pathophysiology

Directions to Hospitals Treating Chronic hypertension pathophysiology

Risk calculators and risk factors for Chronic hypertension pathophysiology

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Assistant Editor-In-Chief:Yazan Daaboul, Serge Korjian

Overview

Although the pathophysiology of secondary hypertension has been outlined, there is still much debate about the true pathogenesis of primary (essential) hypertension. It is now conceded that hypertension is caused by multiple genetic and environmental factors with varying roles between individuals.[1]

Pathophysiology

Below is a figure summarizing the pathophysiology of essential hypertension:

Genetics

  • Epidemiological studies suggest that genetic factors account for 30% of blood pressure variations in populations.[2][3]
  • The prevalence of hypertension in patients with family history is almost double than those with no family history.
  • Examples of genetic hypertension where specific genetic mutations were identified include, but are not limited to, some forms of primary hyperaldosteronism, pseudohyperaldosteronism, Liddle Syndrome, and syndrome of apparent mineralocorticoid excess.[1]
  • Gene therapy may be a promising novel therapeutic approach to treat hypertension.[4]

Peripheral Vascular Resistance [2]

  • Patients with hypertension usually have an increased peripheral vascular resistance, which is determined largely by the arterioles with an associated increase in the thickness of smooth muscle cells.
  • Intracellular calcium concentrations are increased, contributing to vasoconstriction.
  • This vasoconstriction is multifactorial, but the final common pathway is ultimately linked to a sustained increase in intracellular calcium.
  • Prolonged constriction leads to a structural damage to arterioles consequently an elevation in blood pressure.

Cardiac Output

  • Notably, the cardiac output in hypertensive patients is generally normal. With age, the decreased compliance of central arteries predominates, causing systolic hypertension in the elderly.

Renin-Angiotensin Aldosterone System (RAAS)

  • While the systemic role of RAAS shows little evidence of contribution, local release of renin-angiotensin in the kidneys, heart, and arteries seems to play a much more important role in the pathogenesis of hypertension.[2]
  • Angiotensin II constricts resistance vessels, directly stimulates renal sodium reabsorption, activates aldosterone to increase sodium reabsorption, helps release antidiuretic hormone (ADH), and promotes sympathetic activity of the autonomic nervous system.[4]
  • Aldosterone increases sodium reabsorption by increasing the quantity of open sodium channels in the luminal membrane of the principal cells of the collecting tubules in the kidney.
  • Furthermore, aldosterone has a non-genomic effect in increasing fibrosis, collagen deposition, inflammation, and cardiovascular remodeling.[5]

Autonomic Nervous System [2]

  • The role of sympathetic nervous system in hypertension remains controversial.
  • The effectiveness of beta blockers and alpha blockers as anti-hypertensive agents validates that sympathetic nervous system is, at least partially, involved in hypertension.
  • There is ample evidence that norepinephrine concentration and rate of norepinephrine spillover from sympathetic nerve terminals are markedly elevated in patients with essential hypertension.[6]
  • Humoral, metabolic, reflex, and central mechanisms of adrenergic activation are all contributory to characterizing hypertension.[7]

Role of Pressure Natriuresis and Renal Damage [7]

  • Pressure natriuresis is the impact of the arterial pressure head on sodium excretion. Experimental evidence has shown that pressure natriuresis is impaired in hypertension even without significant variations in renal blood flow or changes in glomerular filtration rate (GFR).
  • In non-hypertensive patients, the increased blood pressure is countered by activation of the renal pressure natriuresis to allow maintenance of normal sodium balance and blood pressure. In hypertensive patients, however, pressure natriuresis seems to be permanently set at a higher BP threshold, whereby an inappropriately normal sodium excretion rate is maintained despite the high blood pressure values.
  • Renal damage follows via loss of nephron function leading to a vicious circle of further impairment of pressure natriuresis and elevated BP.

Endothelial Dysfunction [2]

Environmental Factors

  • Obesity and metabolic syndrome play a major indirect role in the pathogenesis of hypertension by increasing renal tubular reabsorption, impairment of pressure natriuresis, and activation of sympathetic and RAAS. [9]
  • Acute emotional stress can cause an immediate, but transient, increase in blood pressure. Although chronic stress, per se, has not been shown to cause hypertension, it has been hypothesized that chronic stress may contribute at least in part or may play an additive role in the context of other risk factors.[10]
  • It remains controversial as to whether depression develops secondary to hypertension or alternatively if it causes hypertension. It is also unclear if antidepressant medications contribute to hypertension in depression.[11]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Cuddy ML (2005). "Treatment of hypertension: guidelines from JNC 7 (the seventh report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure 1)". J Pract Nurs. 55 (4): 17–21, quiz 22-3. PMID 16512265.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 Beevers G, Lip GY, O'Brien E (2001). "ABC of hypertension: The pathophysiology of hypertension". BMJ. 322 (7291): 912–6. PMC 1120075. PMID 11302910.
  3. Staessen JA, Wang J, Bianchi G, Birkenhäger WH (2003). "Essential hypertension". Lancet. 361 (9369): 1629–41. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(03)13302-8. PMID 12747893.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Oparil S, Zaman MA, Calhoun DA (2003). "Pathogenesis of hypertension". Ann Intern Med. 139 (9): 761–76. PMID 14597461.
  5. Schrier RW, Masoumi A, Elhassan E (2010). "Aldosterone: role in edematous disorders, hypertension, chronic renal failure, and metabolic syndrome". Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 5 (6): 1132–40. doi:10.2215/CJN.01410210. PMID 20448074.
  6. Rahn KH, Barenbrock M, Hausberg M (1999). "The sympathetic nervous system in the pathogenesis of hypertension". J Hypertens Suppl. 17 (3): S11–4. PMID 10489093.
  7. 7.0 7.1 Mancia G, Grassi G, Giannattasio C, Seravalle G (1999). "Sympathetic activation in the pathogenesis of hypertension and progression of organ damage". Hypertension. 34 (4 Pt 2): 724–8. PMID 10523349.
  8. GOLDBLATT H (1947). "The renal origin of hypertension". Physiol Rev. 27 (1): 120–65. PMID 20282156.
  9. Hall JE (2003). "The kidney, hypertension, and obesity". Hypertension. 41 (3 Pt 2): 625–33. doi:10.1161/01.HYP.0000052314.95497.78. PMID 12623970) (Ref: 12623970) Check |pmid= value (help).
  10. Kulkarni S, O'Farrell I, Erasi M, Kochar MS (1998). "Stress and hypertension". WMJ. 97 (11): 34–8. PMID 9894438.
  11. Scalco AZ, Scalco MZ, Azul JB, Lotufo Neto F (2005). "Hypertension and depression". Clinics (Sao Paulo). 60 (3): 241–50. doi:/S1807-59322005000300010 Check |doi= value (help). PMID 15962086.

Template:WH Template:WS