Triglyceride, an Independent Risk Factor for New-Onset Hypertension: A Perspective

Hypertension is the most important risk factor for cardiovascular disease worldwide. Although the pathogenesis of hypertension is complex and multifactorial, obesity-related hypertension has become a major focus of attention because of the continued increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity. Several mechanisms have been suggested to underlie obesity-related hypertension, including an increase in sympathetic nervous system activity, an upregulation of the renin-angiotensinaldosterone system, alterations in adipose-derived cytokines, and an augmentation of insulin resistance. Emerging evidence from observational studies (including those using Mendelian randomization) suggests that the presence of high triglycerides, which is a common comorbidity in obesity, is an independent risk factor for new-onset hypertension. However, little is known about the mechanisms underlying triglyceride-associated hypertension. We summarize the existing clinical evidence that has demonstrated the adverse effect of triglycerides on blood pressure, and we then discuss possible underlying mechanisms based on the evidence from animal and human studies, with a particular focus on the roles of endothelial function, white blood cells, i.e., lymphocytes, and pulse rate.