The effect of antihypertensive drugs on chronic kidney disease: a comprehensive review.

Data from randomized clinical trials and epidemiological evidence identify systemic hypertension as the second most common modifiable risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression after diabetes mellitus. CKD may progress silently over the years and early diagnosis and control of hypertension is of major importance in delaying renal function decline. Recent guidelines for the treatment of hypertension suggest the use of a variety of antihypertensive drugs in order to achieve the desired blood pressure levels. Renin-angiotensin system inhibitors have been undoubtedly studied the most and are suggested by guidelines and experts as first choice in patients with hypertension and renal injury, particularly in those with diabetes, as they have repeatedly shown to significantly reduce proteinuria. Other classes of antihypertensive drugs have been studied to a lesser extent and they have their own unique properties and effects. However, it is now common knowledge that adequate blood pressure control is the most important factor for the preservation of renal function, so every drug that effectively lowers hypertension is believed to be renoprotective. The present article will review the latest data on the role and properties of each class of antihypertensive drugs on CKD.