Hypertension as a Cardiovascular Risk Factor

Hypertension and kidney share a bidirectional relationship. The kidneys participate in the development and maintenance of primary hypertension, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the most common cause of secondary hypertension. Approximately 10% of the population worldwide is affected by CKD with significant differences among regions. CKD is frequently observed in patients with arterial hypertension, as the same factors that promote the development and progression of atherosclerosis can also promote CKD. The bidirectional relationship between the kidney and high blood pressure (BP) is further proved by the well-known exceedingly high prevalence of hypertension in patients with CKD, wherein effective antihypertensive treatment is able to convey the dual benefit of renal and cardiovascular risk reduction. While hypertension is a well-known and strong risk factor for development of CKD, the latter, even in its early phases, can cause an increase in BP, thereby contributing to increase cardiovascular risk in affected patients.