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Updated: Sep 21, 2025

Estimation of Nephron Number in Whole Kidney using the Acid Maceration Method
Published on: May 22, 2019
Hypertension and the kidneys
Áine M De Bhailis1, Philip A Kalra1
1Department of Nephrology, Salford Royal Hospital, Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, UK.
Insights
Hypertension significantly impacts cardiovascular health and mortality, especially in patients with chronic kidney disease. Managing blood pressure is crucial for slowing kidney disease progression and reducing cardiovascular risks.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cardiology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Hypertension is a primary global risk factor for cardiovascular disease and mortality.
- Hypertension and chronic kidney disease (CKD) share a complex bidirectional relationship, where each condition exacerbates the other.
- CKD complicates hypertension management due to factors like sodium retention, sympathetic nervous system activation, and hormonal imbalances.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the complex pathophysiological mechanisms of hypertension in the context of CKD.
- To explore the interplay between hypertension, CKD, and renovascular disease.
- To discuss current treatment strategies, blood pressure targets, and cardiovascular benefits of optimal control.
Main Methods:
- This review synthesizes existing literature on hypertension pathophysiology in CKD.
- It examines the roles of the sympathetic nervous system, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, and sodium balance.
- The review also covers renovascular disease and therapeutic interventions.
Main Results:
- Hypertension in CKD involves multiple interacting factors, including nephron loss and hormonal dysregulation.
- Poorly controlled hypertension accelerates CKD progression towards end-stage kidney disease.
- Renovascular disease is a key consideration for both cause and treatment.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the multifaceted pathophysiology of hypertension in CKD is essential for effective management.
- Optimal blood pressure control offers significant long-term cardiovascular benefits and slows CKD progression.
- Targeted therapeutic interventions, including addressing renovascular disease, are vital for improving patient outcomes.
Abstract:
Hypertension is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality globally. Hypertension and chronic kidney disease are closely intertwined conditions as hypertension can lead to deteriorating renal function and progressive chronic kidney disease can contribute to worsening hypertension. In the setting of chronic kidney disease, the pathophysiology of hypertension is complex and involves the interplay of many factors including a reduced number of functioning nephrons, sodium retention and volume expansion, upregulation of the sympathetic nervous system, hormonal factors such as upregulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, and endothelial dysfunction. Poorly controlled hypertension can accelerate the progression to end-stage kidney disease. This review discusses the pathophysiological mechanisms that contribute to hypertension, including sympathetic nervous system activity, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and the role of sodium. In the setting of chronic kidney disease, the relationship with hypertension and renovascular disease as a potential cause and target for therapeutic intervention is briefly reviewed. Finally, treatment options, targets and the long-term cardiovascular benefits of optimal blood pressure control are discussed.
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