Question

I do not understand why the Renin-Angiotensin System is a target area (drug therapy) for high blood presssure patients if the system is only supposed to be be primarly active when someone is experiencing hypotension. This is confusing. Can someone explain why renin would still be high in patients with high blood pressure?

Answer 1

Renin ( angiotensinagase) is a protein secreted by juxtaglomerular cells of kidney . When there is reduced perfusion pressure in the kidneys renin converts angiotensinogen to angiotensin 1 ,then ACE inhibitors(from lungs) convert angiotensin 1 to angiotensin 2 and angiotensin 2increases the aldosterone release and causes vasoconstriction.

To maintain high perfusion pressure in kidneys ,to regulate blood pressure ,thirst and urine output renin remain high in high blood pressure.