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Stress and Its Role in Sympathetic Nervous System Activation in Hypertension and the Metabolic Syndrome

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Abstract

Stress in several guises is evident in individuals with hypertension and in those with the metabolic syndrome and may account, at least in part, for the extent and pattern of sympathetic nervous activation. Importantly, elevated activity of the sympathetic nervous system is related to the development of obesity-related illnesses including hypertension, insulin resistance, and renal, cardiac, and vascular impairment. Notably, evidence of subclinical organ damage is evident even in young, normotensive, overweight persons, thereby reinforcing the need to develop and implement effective early intervention.

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Acknowledgment

This work was supported by grants from the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia (NHMRC).

Disclosure

The investigators (or their laboratory) have received research funding from commercial sponsors including Abbot (formerly Solvay Pharmaceuticals), Servier, Ardian Inc, Allergan, and Scientific Intake. Dr. Gavin Lambert has received honoraria or travel support for presentations from Servier, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, and Pfizer. No other potential conflicts of interest relevant to this article were reported.

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  1. Human Neurotransmitters Laboratory, Baker IDI Heart & Diabetes Institute, PO Box 6492, St Kilda Road Central, Melbourne, Vic, 8008, Australia

    Elisabeth A. Lambert & Gavin W. Lambert

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  1. Elisabeth A. Lambert
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  2. Gavin W. Lambert
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Correspondence to Elisabeth A. Lambert.

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Lambert, E.A., Lambert, G.W. Stress and Its Role in Sympathetic Nervous System Activation in Hypertension and the Metabolic Syndrome. Curr Hypertens Rep 13, 244–248 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11906-011-0186-y

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