[Hypertension, atherosclerosis and kidney]

Cardiovascular risk is dramatically increased in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). However, even minor dys-functions such as microalbuminuria or a mild increase in serum creatinine (Cr) have a major impact on cardiovascular risk. Increased cardiovascular risk is present in multiple populations, including general populations, patients with moderate risk such as hypertensives, and high-risk patients including patients with heart failure and myocardial necrosis. There are many mechanisms underpinning the increased cardiovascular risk. Regarding atherosclerosis, the kidney can be victim or villain. On the one hand, both kidney disease per se and renal insufficiency can induce vascular damage, thereby increasing cardiovascular risk. Kidney disease without renal insufficiency can cause an increased prevalence in hypertension, dyslipidemia (nephrotic syndrome), sympathetic system hyperactivity, and in renin angiotensin system hyperactivity. A moderate-severe renal insufficiency can induce an increase in many vasculotoxic substances such as ADMA, lipoprotein(a), homocysteine, disturbances in calcium and phosphate metabolism, anemia and left ventricular hypertrophy. A more severe renal insufficiency can induce the ominous malnutrition-inflammation-atherosclerosis (MIA) syndrome. On the other hand, the kidney can be the victim of atherosclerosis. Ischemic nephropathy, caused by atherosclerotic renal artery disease and atheroembolism from abdominal aorta are two examples. Finally, it is important to consider that the kidney, being an organ with a wide vasculature, could be a sophisticated sensor of subclinical cardiovascular damage.