AUTHOR=Vink Eva, Blankestijn Peter TITLE=Evidence and Consequences of the Central Role of the Kidneys in the Pathophysiology of Sympathetic Hyperactivity JOURNAL=Frontiers in Physiology VOLUME=3 YEAR=2012 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2012.00029 DOI=10.3389/fphys.2012.00029 ISSN=1664-042X ABSTRACT=Chronic elevation of the sympathetic nervous system has been identified as a major contributor to the complex pathophysiology of hypertension, states of volume overload – such as heart failure – and progressive kidney disease. It is also a strong determinant for clinical outcome. This review focuses on the central role of the kidneys in the pathogenesis of sympathetic hyperactivity. As a consequence, renal denervation may be an attractive option to treat sympathetic hyperactivity. The review will also focus on first results and the still remaining questions of this new treatment option.