A range of hypertension topics are covered in this volume, that are of primary interest to the nephrologist. reviews are given on the clinical physiology of endothelin and nitric oxide and the role of these substances in primary and secondary hypertension. Some still unsolved problems in the diagnosis and treatment of renovascular hypertension and renal ischemia are also re-exmined in the light of the latest results from on-going studies. The problem of "renal risk" in essential hypertension is addressed mainly in terms of early prediction and the importance of microalbuminuria and glomerular hyperfiltration is discussed. Also included is an examination of the increased cardiovascular risk and hemodynamic instability in patients undergoing dialysis, which has been re-evaluated on the basis of the most recent studies.