ABSTRACT
The prevalence of obesity is rapidly increasing in developing as well as in industrialized countries.1-5 Up to 61% of Americans are either overweight or obese, according to the most recent United States Census. The increase in prevalence of obesity and overweight was observed in both men and women of all age groups and ethnicity and more so in children and adolescents.6-8
Economic costs attributable to obesity in the United States in 2000 were estimated at $117 billion.2,5,9,10 A study involving 80 000 women revealed that a 5-kg weight gain after age 18 was associated with a 60% higher relative risk of developing hypertension,11 compared with those women who gained 2 kg or less. Those who gained 10 kg or more increased their risk by 2.2-fold. Similar increases have been observed in other populations and in children.12,13
Obesity is a state of multiple molecular variances that leads to hypertension and subsequent increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Here we will review the combined effects of chronic kidney disease, the reninangiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), neurohumeral and biochemical mechanisms, the natriuretic system, and prothrombotic and proinflammatory factors that all contribute to hypertension associated with obesity.
