Hypertension after Kidney Transplantation

Abstract Cerebrovascular and cardiovascular events are among the most common causes of death in patients with a functioning graft. Hypertension has been well-known as major “traditional” risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease being also frequent in kidney transplant recipients. A number of factors may contribute to developing or aggravating hypertension after transplantation. Among them, a central role is played by calcineurin inhibitors, corticosteroids and allograft dysfunction. Apart from the increased risk of myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death, post-transplant hypertension also has implications on the graft outcome and survival. Considering kidney transplantation as the best treatment option for renal replacement therapy with an improved quality of life and survival compared to other treatments, the management of hypertension becomes crucial issue after kidney transplantation. In addition to pharmacologic and lifestyle interventions, risk reduction may also require tailoring a patient's immunosuppressive regimen to achieve optimal balance between efficacy and adverse events.