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Hypertension (HTN) is the most prevalent chronic disease in the entire world, 1 being one of the most significant cardiovascular risks factors. 2 Among several variables controlling blood pressure (BP), those directly interacting with neural mechanisms involve multiple areas of the central nervous system. 3

The relationship between brain activity and HTN has been demonstrated by neurophysiological studies on animals showing that direct electrical or chemical stimulation of different structures of the brainstorm and cerebral cortex can significantly modify BP and heart rate. 4-6 In addition, the sympathetic and renal systems seem to contribute to the vascular changes that occur initially in HTN, such as increased basal vascular resistance maintained by remodeling the vessels and reducing the number of vessels. 7 Furthermore, reducing peripheral BP normally fails to reverse changes in brain function, structure, and organizations associated with the disease, suggesting that influences on the brain are not secondary to elevation of BP. 7 The exact initial causes of HTN remain unclear, and a multifactorial origin is the main hypothesis. Thus, we cannot say that the brain initiates HTN, but it is clear that HTN harms the brain’s functioning. Therefore, more studies are needed to confirm whether HTN originates mainly as a brain disease or a disease of the peripheral vasculature.