[Hypertension]

Abstract

Hypertension is one of most important components of metabolic syndrome. Main etiology of metabolic syndrome is supposed to be due to insulin resistance. Insulin resistance/hyperinsulinemia induces blood pressure elevation by sodium retention, activation of sympathetic nervous system and renin-angiotensin system(RAS) and promotion of vascular cell growth. Moreover, activated RAS, actually angiotensin II, and salt intake lead insulin resistance by inhibiting insulin signaling. Our laboratory revealed the close relationship between the vascular RAS and the action of insulin on the vasculature. This section reviewed recent understandings about hypertension in metabolic syndrome focusing on its pathophysiologic mechanisms and antihypertensive therapy.