Table I.

Pathogenesis of Obesity‐Related Hypertension

Central (abdominal) obesity

Insulin resistance (hyperinsulinemia)

↑ Leptin levels

↑ Sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity

Insulin

Leptin

↑ Renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system activity

SNS stimulation of renin release

↑ Angiotensinogen from intra‐abdominal adipocytes

↑ Aldosterone production (in excess of angiotensin stimulation)

Salt sensitivity (↑ renal sodium reabsorption)

SNS

Insulin

Angiotensin (all)

Aldosterone

Intra‐renal blood flow redistribution