Oxidative Stress, Antioxidants and Hypertension

As a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally, hypertension remains a serious threat to global public health. Despite the availability of many antihypertensive medications, several hypertensive individuals are resistant to standard treatments, and are unable to control their blood pressure. Regulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) controlling blood pressure, activation of the immune system triggering inflammation and production of reactive oxygen species, leading to oxidative stress and redox-sensitive signaling, have been implicated in the pathogenesis of hypertension. Thus, besides standard antihypertensive medications, which lower arterial pressure, antioxidant medications were tested to improve antihypertensive treatment. We review and discuss the role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of hypertension and the potential use of antioxidants in the management of hypertension and its associated organ damage.

Automated summary

Hypertension is a major global health threat, and despite the availability of antihypertensive medications, resistance to treatment remains a problem. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, immune system activation, and oxidative stress have been implicated in hypertension's pathogenesis. In addition to standard antihypertensive medications, antioxidants have been tested as a potential treatment. This review discusses the role of oxidative stress in hypertension and explores the use of antioxidants in its management.