Insulin Resistance in Hypertension: A Focused Review

The associations between insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, and hypertension are well recognized. The insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia associated with hypertension is the result of increased renal tubular sodium reabsorption, increased sympathetic nervous system activity, and increased artrial wall smooth muscle reactivity. In insulin resistant states, intracellular calcium and sodium accumulation is thought to be the fundamental underlying abnormality. These is evidence that hyperinsulinemia is an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease. Therefore, therapeutic considerations in patients with insulin resistance should include nonpharmacologic methods for increasing insulin sensitivity as well as avoiding the deleterious effects on insulin action and lipid metabolism of various antihypertensive medications. Of the currently available antihypertensives therapies, the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, the alpha antagonists, and the calcium channel blockers are the most rational choices for treating patients with hypertension with evidence of coexisting insulin resistance.