Autonomic nervous system activity changes in patients with hypertension and overweight: role and therapeutic implications

The incidence and prevalence of hypertension is increasing worldwide, with approximately 1.13 billion of people currently affected by the disease, often in association with other diseases such as diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, dyslipidemia/hypercholesterolemia, and obesity. The autonomic nervous system has been implicated in the pathophysiology of hypertension, and treatments targeting the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), a key component of the autonomic nervous system, have been developed; however, current recommendations provide little guidance on their use. This review discusses the etiology of hypertension, and more specifically the role of the SNS in the pathophysiology of hypertension and its associated disorders. In addition, the effects of current antihypertensive management strategies, including pharmacotherapies, on the SNS are examined, with a focus on imidazoline receptor agonists.

Automated summary

The incidence and prevalence of hypertension is increasing worldwide, often associated with other diseases such as diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, dyslipidemia/hypercholesterolemia, and obesity. The autonomic nervous system, specifically the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), has been implicated in the pathophysiology of hypertension, and current antihypertensive management strategies, including pharmacotherapies targeting the SNS, are examined in this review with a focus on imidazoline receptor agonists.