[Increased activity of the sympathetic nervous system and the possibilities for therapeutic influence]

Abstract

Breakdown in the function of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) due to chronic stress is very probably one of the main pathophysiological mechanisms in the onset and development of essential hypertension, especially in younger hypertonic patients. The degree of dysfunction can be assessed by means of simple tests such as measurement of resting heart rate. Betablockers are the most effective group for chronic treatment of excessive activity of the sympathetic nervous system.