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Familial mineralocorticoid induced hypertension in the sultanate of oman

Nicholas Jy Woodhouse1, Omayma T Elshafie, Fatma Ben Abid

  • 1Department of Medicine, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman;

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal
|July 13, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Mineralocorticoid-induced hypertension is common in Omani patients with a family history of hypertension. Many patients exhibit suppressed renin levels and respond well to spironolactone treatment, indicating a high prevalence of this condition.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Nephrology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine

Background:

  • Hypertension is a significant global health concern.
  • A family history of hypertension suggests a potential genetic predisposition.
  • Mineralocorticoid receptor (MC-R) antagonists like spironolactone are used to treat certain types of hypertension.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of mineralocorticoid (MC)-induced hypertension in Omani patients with a family history of hypertension.
  • To investigate the association between family history, MC-induced disease, and response to spironolactone.

Main Methods:

  • Serum levels of calcium, potassium, creatinine, aldosterone, and renin were measured.
  • Abdominal ultrasound and adrenal computed tomography (CT) scans were performed in a subset of patients.
  • Patients with suspected MC-induced hypertension were assessed for their response to spironolactone treatment.

Main Results:

  • Out of 27 patients, 18 (66%) had suppressed renin levels.
  • 14 patients had typically normal aldosterone levels.
  • A significant proportion of patients responded positively to spironolactone treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Mineralocorticoid-induced hypertension appears to be prevalent in the Middle East.
  • The ability to conserve salt may have conferred a survival advantage in hot climates, potentially explaining the high prevalence.
  • Further research is warranted to confirm these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms.
Keywords:
High prevalenceHypertension, familialMineralocorticoidsOman

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