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Published on: July 25, 2019
Atrial natriuretic peptide in human essential hypertension
Mayo Clinic Proceedings
|September 1, 1987
Summary
Circulating atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) levels are slightly decreased, not elevated, in patients with essential hypertension. Treatment with a calcium channel blocker significantly reduced ANP levels.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Essential hypertension is a complex condition with various contributing factors.
- Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) plays a role in regulating blood pressure and fluid balance.
- Previous research suggested ANP levels might be elevated in hypertensive patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate circulating atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) levels in patients with untreated essential hypertension.
- To determine the effect of antihypertensive treatment on ANP levels.
Main Methods:
- Measured plasma ANP concentrations in 62 hypertensive patients and 30 normotensive controls.
- Analyzed the relationship between ANP levels and blood pressure, plasma renin activity, and renal function.
- Assessed changes in ANP levels after treatment with nitrendipine (calcium channel blocker) or ketanserin.
Main Results:
- Hypertensive patients exhibited slightly lower ANP levels compared to normotensive subjects (27.4 vs. 35.3 pg/ml, P < 0.02).
- No correlation was found between ANP levels and diastolic blood pressure, plasma renin activity, or renal function.
- Nitrendipine treatment significantly reduced ANP levels in hypertensive patients (28.6 to 18.7 pg/ml, P < 0.05).
- Ketanserin treatment did not significantly alter ANP levels.
Conclusions:
- Circulating ANP levels are not elevated but slightly decreased in uncomplicated essential hypertension.
- Calcium channel antagonist therapy can reduce plasma ANP levels in hypertensive individuals.
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