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Induction of Atherosclerotic Plaques Through Activation of Mineralocorticoid Receptors in Apolipoprotein E-deficient Mice
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Induction of Atherosclerotic Plaques Through Activation of Mineralocorticoid Receptors in Apolipoprotein E-deficient Mice

Published on: September 26, 2018

Aldosterone and cardiovascular risk

Bruno Vogt, Michel Burnier

    Current Hypertension Reports
    |November 10, 2009
    PubMed

    Insights

    Excess aldosterone contributes to hypertension and cardiovascular risk, potentially independent of blood pressure. Aldosterone receptor blockade shows promise for reducing cardiovascular and renal complications, warranting further trials.

    Area of Science:

    • Endocrinology
    • Cardiovascular Medicine
    • Nephrology

    Background:

    • Aldosterone excess is linked to hypertension and increased cardiovascular and renal risk.
    • Emerging evidence suggests aldosterone may independently elevate cardiovascular risk beyond its effects on blood pressure.
    • Aldosterone is associated with obesity, metabolic syndrome, inflammation, oxidative stress, and fibrosis.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To review the role of aldosterone in cardiovascular and renal risk.
    • To explore the potential benefits of aldosterone receptor blockade.

    Main Methods:

    • Review of experimental and epidemiologic data.
    • Analysis of clinical evidence from primary hyperaldosteronism and essential hypertension patients.
    • Examination of studies on aldosterone receptor blockade effects.

    Main Results:

    • Primary hyperaldosteronism patients face higher cardiovascular and renal complication risks than essential hypertension patients with similar blood pressure.
    • Aldosterone receptor blockade has demonstrated reductions in cardiovascular mortality post-myocardial infarction and in heart failure.
    • Aldosterone blockade may positively influence chronic kidney disease progression.

    Conclusions:

    • Aldosterone plays a significant role in cardiovascular and renal pathology, potentially independent of its hypertensive effects.
    • Aldosterone receptor blockade is a promising therapeutic strategy for mitigating cardiovascular and renal risks.
    • Further prospective interventional trials are essential to confirm the benefits of aldosterone blockade on cardiovascular risk.

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