The renin-angiotensin system and natriuretic peptides in obesity-associated hypertension

Excessive accumulation of adipose tissue is associated with profound altera tions in the cardiovascular system, including an increase in systemic blood pressure. It now appears clear that a central feature of obesity-associate d hypertension is related to changes in sodium handling that may result fro m abnormalities in sym-pathetic nervous system activity, the renin-angioten sin-aldosterone system, natriuretic peptides, and kidney function. In this paper we review the role of these factors in the development of obesity-ass ociated hypertension, thereby focusing on the potential role of adipose tis sue in these alterations.