Renalase, a novel FAD dependent amine oxidase, is secreted by the kidney, degrades circulating catecholamines, and modulates cardiac function and lowers systemic blood pressure. In vivo, it has been found to decrease cardiac contractility and heart rate and prevents a compensatory increase in peripheral vascular tone, possibly explaining the association between increased plasma catecholamines and heightened cardiovascular risk. The plasma concentration of renalase is markedly reduced in patients with end-stage renal disease, as compared with healthy subjects. The administration of renalase (or renalase mimics) may offer a new approach to the treatment of hypertension commonly found in renal disease, which is associated with a marked increase in cardiovascular disease.