Effect of Allopurinol on Blood Pressure of Adolescents With Newly Diagnosed Essential Hypertension

Abstract

Hypertension is commonly associated with hyperuricemia.^1,2 Early investigators proposed uric acid as having a causal role in hypertension.^3-5 However, an elevation of uric acid in hypertension could be a consequence of reduced renal function, the use of diuretics, the presence of hyperinsulinemia and oxidative stress, or elevated renal vascular resistance, which are commonly present in this condition.⁶ As such, hyperuricemia is not considered a true risk factor for hypertension by the Joint National Committee,⁷ nor is it considered a cardiovascular risk factor by most expert organizations.⁸