DESPITE unequivocal evidence that renal function is altered in hypertension, certain
important issues are unresolved. The most controversial area is whether the observed
changes in renal function are a consequence of hypertension or the primary basis of the
disease. Although there is little doubt that the kidney is progressively damaged as a
longterm consequence of hypertension, 6 lines of evidence indicate that renal function is
altered before the development of the disease and that some form of renal dysfunction is …