The Kidney and Hypertension

Hypertension is common in patients with kidney disease for a number of reasons, three of which are salt retention, inappropriate action by the renin-angiotensin system and overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system. Of all causes of hypertension, renal artery stenosis (narrowing) has attracted considerable attention, since it is was once thought to be a rare cause of hypertension and yet, now, it is clear that it is the most common cause of secondary hypertension. Renal patients suffer more resistant hypertension and require thorough investigation for renal disease. George Bakris and his peers examine all aspects of hypertension in the renal patient. This is an essential guide to the effective management of the renovascular patient.