Neuroadrenergic disarray in pseudo-resistant and resistant hypertension

Several studies have investigated the behavior of sympathetic cardiovascular drive in essential hypertension, providing conclusive evidence of the adrenergic activation characterizing this condition. These studies have also shown the importance of neuroadrenergic overdrive in the development and progression of the hypertensive state as well as in the pathogenesis of hypertension-related end-organ damage. The information available on the sympathetic nervous system's behavior in 'pseudo-resistant' and 'true resistant' hypertension is much more scarce. This paper will review the available knowledge on this issue by examining the data collected via indirect and direct approaches to investigate adrenergic function in resistant hypertension as well as the effects of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. © 2014 The Japanese Society of Hypertension.