The investigators working hypothesis is that human hypertension is in part due to a derangement in the endocrine function of the heart - a primary or secondary mechanism - resulting in a relative deficiency of the natriuretic peptides (NP). The remodeled hypertensive heart could result in altered processing and degradation of B-type NP resulting in altered molecular forms with decreased biological activity. The investigators further hypothesized the chronic administration of BNP in subjects with hypertension, is feasible, safe and will induce a sustained reduction in blood pressure.