[An hypothesis concerning the pathogenetic background of 3 diseases of civilization]

This article presents a theory concerning the pathogenetic background for three diseases of civilization: essential hypertension, stable diabetes and atherosclerosis. Man and many other animals have mobilizing mechanisms for preparation for physical activity, expressed inter alia by an increase in blood pressure, hyperglycaemia and hyperlipidaemia. During physical activity, blood pressure falls almost to the resting level and hyperglycaemia and hyperlipidaemia are reduced parallel with the metabolism of glucose and fats in working muscles. In wealthy countries, this preparation for physical activity, which is dominated by the sympathetic-adrenergic system, comes into action just as frequently as in less wealthy countries -- or possibly even more frequently -- but this is rarely followed by muscular activity. How long is this sympathetic dominance maintained? How high are the blood pressure, hyperglycaemia and hyperlipidaemia? How slowly do these return to normal levels? It appears probable that this may be of fundamental pathogenetic significance in the three abovementioned diseases, the causes of which we have difficulty in finding or agreeing upon. Various prophylactic possibilities are mentioned briefly.