Host: Jamie P. Dwyer, MD
Guest: J. Matthew Luther, MD, MSCI
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and high blood pressure (BP) are closely linked and, when not managed appropriately, can lead to serious outcomes such as myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, and progression to kidney failure. Pathological excess of aldosterone induces hypertension by forcing the kidneys to excessively retain sodium and water, increasing blood volume, and lowering potassium. Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs), which target the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), do not fully inhibit the deleterious effects of aldosterone and may increase serum aldosterone concentrations. Highly selective aldosterone synthase inhibitors (ASIs) have emerged as potential alternatives to MRAs; ASIs decrease aldosterone synthesis, providing another strategy to inhibit aldosterone effects without affecting cortisol production.
Want to dive deeper into the discussion? Check out Audience Q&A From the Live Symposium in the Related Content section for additional expert insights and practical perspectives on CKD, hypertension, and emerging aldosterone-targeted therapies.