Serum Aldosterone Levels In Hypertension

Abstract

Aims: Hypertension affects around 30% of the adult population. It is related to cardiovascular complications, especially on account of atherosclerosis. Resistant hypertension (RH) occurs when blood pressure remains above target value despite the use of three antihypertensive medications with synergistic actions at maximum recommended doses or whenever the patient makes use of four or more antihypertensive drugs even when blood pressure is controlled. Hyperaldosteronism is an important cause of RH. The study aims to evaluate the association of aldosterone concentrations not only in essential hypertensive individuals but with RH correlating also with inflammatory levels.Methods: A total of 44 EH patients and 32 RH patients were selected. All of them were submitted to serum analysis of urea, creatinine, potassium, aldosterone, fasting glycemia, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C), complete blood count, usCRP, homocysteine and beta-2 microglobulin (B2M). Results:No significant difference could be observed among the groups regarding the inflammatory markers TNF-alpha, IL-6, usCRP, homocysteine and B2M. As to aldosterone and the ratio of albumin to creatinine (ACR), there was an expressive difference; however, no correlation between ACR and aldosterone could be found. Conclusions:In this sample of hypertensive individuals, aldosterone levels are relatively higher in RH when compared with those with EH.