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Aldosterone contributes to elevated left ventricular mass in black boys

Diana G Murro1, Melinda Beavers, Gregory A Harshfield

  • 1Department of Medicine, Georgia Health Sciences University, MCG Annex H.S. 1640, Augusta, GA, 30912-4534, USA. dmurro@georgiahealth.edu

Pediatric Nephrology (Berlin, Germany)
|November 27, 2012
PubMed

Insights

This study reveals that aldosterone influences blood pressure and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) differently across racial and sex groups in adolescents. In black males, higher aldosterone is linked to increased LVMI, suggesting a pathway to left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH).

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Physiology
  • Endocrinology
  • Pediatric Cardiology

Background:

  • Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular events in adults and children.
  • Studies in adults show a direct correlation between renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) levels and left ventricular mass index (LVMI).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the race- and sex-specific effects of the RAAS on LVMI in adolescents.
  • To explore potential differences in RAAS-mediated cardiovascular risk factors among adolescent racial and sex groups.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 89 black and 102 white adolescents (aged 15-19).
  • Data collected included sex, age, body mass index (BMI), LVMI, blood pressure, and levels of aldosterone and angiotensin II.

Main Results:

  • In black males, elevated aldosterone correlated with decreased sodium excretion, increased blood pressure, and increased LVMI.
  • In black females, aldosterone correlated with increased blood pressure.
  • In white males, aldosterone correlated with decreased sodium excretion. In white females, aldosterone correlated with increased blood pressure and decreased sodium excretion.

Conclusions:

  • The findings suggest a model in black males where aldosterone increases sodium retention, leading to elevated blood pressure and subsequently increased left ventricular mass, potentially causing LVH.
  • Race and sex significantly modulate the relationship between aldosterone, blood pressure, and LVMI in adolescents.
Abstract

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