Hypertension, Angiotensin II, and Oxidative Stress

Abstract

Renovascular hypertension is a potentially curable form of secondary hypertension generally due to either atherosclerosis or fibromuscular dysplasia of one or both renal arteries.^1,2 The critical element promoting hypertension in this disorder is reduced arterial perfusion to one or both kidneys,¹ leading to increased production of renin, which elevates circulating angiotensin II levels.^1,2 The resultant high-renin hypertensive state is associated with moderate-to-severe elevation of blood pressure, with an attendant high risk of cardiovascular disease and progressive loss of renal function in the flow-deprived kidney.¹ Treatment of renovascular hypertension with angioplasty, stenting, or surgery affords an opportunity to reduce . . .