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Query: UMLS:C0020538 (hypertension)
 170,190 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

The symptoms and clinical course of chronic hypokalemic nephropathy are described in 21 patients with longstanding potassium deficiency. In 14 patients (group A) the potassium depletion was caused by malnutrition and/or abuse of laxatives and/or diuretics. 7 patients (group B) suffered from primary (6 cases) or secondary (1 case) aldosteronism. The average duration of potassium depletion was 8.8 years in group A and 3.4 years in group B. Depending on the duration of potassium depletion, chronic renal disease develops which may end in terminal renal failure. Urinalysis is non-specific or negative. The clearance of creatinine slowly decreases. Metabolic alkalosis is a constant finding and in group A occurs with a tendency to hyponatremia and hypochloremia, with the development of metabolic acidosis only in advanced renal insufficiency. In contrast to patients of group B, patients of group A have normal or low blood pressures converting to hypertension, if at all only in the late phase. The cases of group A had secondary aldosteronism (and, correspondingly, a hyperplastic juxtaglomerular apparatus). Although urinary tract infection is a regular finding in advanced stages, the clinical, radiological and histological evidence suggests that bacterial pyelonephritis, if occurring at all, is rather a complication than the cause of the disease. In 5 patients 7 instances of acute renal failure of unknown origin were observed which was lethal in one case. Another patient died from terminal renal failure, a third from an intercurrent pneumonia. Renal histology obtained from 13 patients showed the picture of diffuse chronic abacterial interstitial nephritis.
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PMID:Symptoms and course of chronic hypokalemic nephropathy in man. 87 Feb 67

The renin-angiotensin system has a range of physiological actions concerned with the control of the circulation. Angiotensin II has both an immediate and a delayed pressor effect; it stimulates the secretion of aldosterone and antidiuretic hormone, promotes thirst, stimulates the sympathetic nervous system at various sites while inhibiting vagal tone, and has a range of direct effects on the kidney. Several aspects of this range of actions can become deranged in a number of forms of hypertension as well as in congestive cardiac failure. Hence much effort has been directed in recent years to the development of agents designed to interfere with the renin-angiotensin system and to apply these clinically in the treatment of hypertension and congestive cardiac failure. Orally active converting enzyme inhibitors are of proven benefit not only in renovascular hypertension, but also, when combined with loop diuretics, in the treatment of intractable hypertension as well as, both alone and in combination with thiazide diuretics, in the treatment of essential hypertension. In congestive cardiac failure controlled trials have shown that converting enzyme inhibitors can improve exercise tolerance while diminishing lassitude, correct potassium deficiency, and limit ventricular arrhythmias. Energetic efforts are being made to develop orally active inhibitors of the enzyme renin itself, since these should be more specific in action than the presently available and very successful converting enzyme inhibitors.
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PMID:Circulatory basis for the use of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors in hypertension and cardiac failure. 242 88

Animal studies have shown that potassium depletion induced by diuretics or potassium deficient fodder leads to a selective decrease in the concentrations of potassium and in the concentration of sodium-potassium pumps in skeletal muscle. In 25 patients who had received diuretics for 2-14 years the mean concentrations of potassium, magnesium, and sodium-potassium pumps were measured in skeletal muscle biopsy specimens and were significantly lower than in those from a group of age matched controls. The reductions in all three variables were significant in those patients receiving diuretics for arterial hypertension as well as in those being treated for congestive heart failure. In 14 patients the mean muscle potassium concentration was below the control range, but only one of those was hypokalaemic (3.4 mmol/l), and 13 were receiving potassium supplements. In 15 patients the mean muscle magnesium concentration was below normal, and the mean muscle potassium and magnesium concentrations showed a linear correlation. In 12 patients in whom the mean muscle potassium concentration was below 80 mumol/g wet weight there was a linear correlation between the cellular potassium:sodium ratio and the concentration of 3H-ouabain binding sites indicating that potassium deficiency also leads to a down regulation of sodium-potassium pumps in human skeletal muscle. In spite of potassium supplements long term treatment with diuretics may lead to potassium and magnesium deficiencies, which are not detectable using the standard methods of serum analysis. The changes in concentrations of electrolytes and sodium-potassium pumps associated with treatment with diuretics may impair muscle function and potassium homoeostasis and interfere with the distribution of digitalis glycosides.
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PMID:Reduced concentrations of potassium, magnesium, and sodium-potassium pumps in human skeletal muscle during treatment with diuretics. 245 Jun 16

The renin-angiotensin system has a wide range of physiological actions, and thus interference with the system has attractive therapeutic potential. The orally active angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors have so far been the most successful drugs in this area. They lower arterial pressure both in renovascular and essential hypertension, and their effects are enhanced by concomitant diuretic therapy or dietary salt restriction. Since, in renovascular hypertension, the affected kidney depends on enhanced local generation of angiotensin II to help preserve its function, the circulation and excretory capacity of this kidney may be compromised with ACE inhibition. ACE inhibitors can improve exercise tolerance and diminish cardiac ventricular arrhythmias in patients with heart failure. Because these drugs lower plasma aldosterone, they tend to correct potassium deficiency and hypokalemia, which may have been induced by diuretic treatment. Hypotension can occur with the first dose of ACE inhibitor, especially in sodium-depleted subjects; in patients on prior antihypertensive therapy, particularly if this includes a diuretic; and in the elderly. Not all of the actions of ACE inhibitors are necessarily due to lowering of plasma angiotensin II: accumulation of kinins may be responsible for some of the effects and side effects. Common to all ACE inhibitors are occasional rashes, cough, and, more rarely, angioedema. Apparently peculiar to captopril, and less often seen with the lower doses now employed, are taste disturbance, proteinuria, and marrow depression. ACE inhibitors, should not be used in pregnant women.
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PMID:Converting enzyme inhibitors in the treatment of hypertension. 248 62

The renin-angiotensin system has a range of physiological actions concerned with the control of the circulation. Angiotensin II has both an immediate and a delayed pressor effect, it stimulates the secretion of aldosterone and antidiuretic hormone, promotes thirst, stimulates the sympathetic nervous system at various sites while inhibiting vagal tone, and has a range of direct effects on the kidney. Several aspects of this range of actions can become deranged in a number of forms of hypertension as well as in congestive cardiac failure. Hence much effort has been directed in recent years to the development of agents designed to interfere with the renin-angiotensin system and to apply these clinically in the treatment of hypertension and congestive cardiac failure. Orally active converting enzyme inhibitors are of proven benefit not only in renovascular hypertension, but also, when combined with loop diuretics, in the treatment of intractable hypertension as well as, both alone and in combination with thiazide diuretics, in the treatment of essential hypertension. In congestive cardiac failure controlled trials have shown that converting enzyme inhibitors can improve exercise tolerance while diminishing lassitude, correct potassium deficiency and limit ventricular arrhythmias. Energetic efforts are being made to develop orally active inhibitors of the enzyme renin itself, since these would be more specific in action than the presently available and very successful converting enzyme inhibitors.
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PMID:The clinical use of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors in hypertension and cardiac failure. 303 14

Metabolic and toxic effects caused by prolonged daily ingestion of Liquorice are well known in the literature. Such acquisition doesn't seem to be known enough by practitioners and by common people. Besides active substances such as Glycyrrhizin , Liquorice contains even steroids similar to the adrenocortical ones; among these the most important is Beta-Glycyrrhetinic acid. This one, in vivo and in vitro, produces salt and water retention by means of a "DOCA-like" mineral-corticoid mechanism, and clear suppression of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone axis. A low plasmatic level of Renin and Aldosterone is a common feature. The clinical picture in many ways is similar to the primary Aldosteronism and for this reason the above mentioned syndrome is usually called "Pseudoaldosteronism". Symptoms and signs can be classified into the following main groups: symptoms linked with water and salt retention: oedemas, hypertension, cardiac involvement. Symptoms linked with serum Potassium depletion: asthenia, paralysis (due to Potassium deficiency), myopathy with myoglobinuria. The diagnosis is essential based on an accurate pharmacological dietetic history, aimed to recognise an excessive use of Liquorice (pure or more often as substitute) in the screening of hypertension with or without hypopotassemia. Finally, the more or less quick normalisation of blood pressure and biochemical signs--as an "ex juvantibus" criterion--is the most important reason for the diagnosis. After a wide survey of the literature, the clinical and biological picture in four patients with chronic Liquorice ingestion and Pseudoaldosteronism syndrome is described.
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PMID:[Pseudoaldosteronism caused by licorice. Review of the literature and description of 4 clinical cases]. 380 7

A father and son are described with a condition characterized by benign hypertension, potassium deficiency, increased aldosterone secretion rate (ASR), raised plasma volume and suppressed plasma renin activity (PRA). There were intermittent elevations of urine 17-ketosteroids and 17-hydroxycorticoids (17-OHCS) but no increase in urine THS, normal circadian rhythm of plasma 17-OHCS, and normal urine 17-OHCS response to dexamethasone and intravenous ACTH. Plasma ACTH and corticosterone secretion were not elevated. Pregnanetriol excretion was normal but urine pregnanediol was increased. At operation on the father no adrenal tumour was found; the excised left adrenal weighed 7 g. and showed nodular cortical hyperplasia; juxtaglomerular cells showed only occasional granules. Following operation hypertension persisted and ASR was half the preoperative value. All abnormalities in father and son were relieved by dexamethasone (DM) 2 mg. daily. The condition recurred following cessation of DM but was relieved by a second course of treatment. No such response to DM was seen in a normal subject or in a patient with Conn's syndrome. For a number of reasons it is suggested that patients with hypertension, increased ASR and low PRA be given a trial of dexamethasone treatment before undergoing adrenal surgery.
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PMID:Hypertension, increased aldosterone secretion and low plasma renin activity relieved by dexamethasone. 428 76

Historically, the sodium ion has been given prominence in relation to cardiovascular disease, perhaps to the exclusion of other ions. Recently, other ions, including chloride, potassium, magnesium and calcium have received increasing attention in relation to hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, and metabolic derangements. Endocrine factors controlling these ions have also received increasing attention; they include classic hormonal actions as well as neurotransmission and paracrine hormonal actions. Studies indicate that control of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system resides in cytosolic calcium ion levels in the juxtaglomerular cell, as well as chloride ion and prostaglandins at the macula densa. Renin release is stimulated by hyperpolarisation of the juxtaglomerular cell induced by beta 1-agonists, parathyroid hormone, glucagon, magnesium and low cytosol calcium. Renin release is inhibited by high calcium, potassium and angiotensin II. Subsequent to renin release, hormonal regulation includes stimulation of converting enzyme activity by cortisol and prostaglandin (PGE2). Other hormonal control includes antidiuretic hormone producing dilution of extracellular electrolytes and augmented peripheral resistance. A recently identified natriuretic factor isolated from cardiac atria appears to be a potent diuretic with actions similar to that of frusemide (furosemide). Other electrolytes have received closer scrutiny. Chloride may play a dominant role in renal sodium reabsorption, responding to prostaglandin levels. Calcium has been recognised as a basic regulator of the secretion of such hormones as noradrenaline, renin, and aldosterone. As well, calcium ion changes are the means by which smooth muscle contraction is effected. Parathyroid hormone and vitamin D regulate the level of this ion in the body. In addition, a high dietary calcium intake appears to play a protective role against hypertension, while calcium channel blockers appear to reduce blood pressure. Endocrine systems play a major role in the protection against acute elevations in serum potassium by means of insulin action and adrenergic modulation of extrarenal potassium disposal. Aldosterone is recognised as the delayed regulator of potassium excretion. Magnesium levels fall in hyperaldosteronism, hyperparathyroidism, and diabetic keto-acidosis, as well as in malnutrition states. A coexisting potassium deficiency may be refractory to therapy until hypomagnesaemia is corrected. The integrated action of these hormones and electrolytes are thus of major importance in regulation of the cardiovascular system.
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PMID:Endocrine physiology of electrolyte metabolism. 638 78

In studies concerning risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, a number of reports have emphasized the influence of lipids, but the role of dietary minerals other than sodium has been less studied. However, epidemiological studies have suggested that dietary intake of magnesium and potassium may be involved in such pathogenesis. Studies of the influence of magnesium deficiency on arteriosclerosis include its effect on the initial lesion, altered metabolism of elastin, proliferation of collagen, calcification, lipid metabolism, platelet aggregation and hypertension. Magnesium and potassium metabolism are closely related and magnesium is required for maintaining the level of cellular potassium. As a consequence, magnesium and potassium deficiency frequently occur together and potassium deficiency may be an aggravating factor in pathogenesis. The development of the initial lesion in the arterial wall may be facilitated by loss of cellular magnesium and potassium. Experimental magnesium deficiency induces arterial damage, a loss of magnesium and potassium and an increase in the calcium and sodium content of the cell. Experimental models that have been used to produce cardiovascular lesions induce similar changes and losses of major intracellular cations may affect the main metabolic processes of the cell. This report summarizes the experimental evidence that magnesium deficiency may affect several different stages involved in arteriosclerosis and that potassium deficiency may exacerbate this. Magnesium deficiency results in vascular calcification. Experiments indicate that elastin is the site of the initial calcification and the metabolism of elastin is altered. This vascular lesion then brings about an increase in the collagen content of the wall. Low magnesium status could probably affect this process by slowing collagen resorption and lead to an irreversible accumulation of connective tissue. Results showing a different distribution of the various types of lipoprotein during experimental magnesium deficiency strongly suggest that lipid exchange between the vessel walls and blood can be modified. Severe magnesium deficiency in weanling rats produces a marked hypertriglyceridemia, a decrease in the percentage of cholesterol transported by HDL lipoprotein and a reduction in LCAT activity. The decreased clearance of circulatory triglycerides appears to be the major mechanism contributing to hyperlipemia. Magnesium deficiency could therefore contribute to accumulation of vascular lipid. Magnesium and potassium depletion have also been reported in diabetes and the vascular implications of this should be considered.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
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PMID:Role of magnesium and potassium in the pathogenesis of arteriosclerosis. 639 44

The case is reported of a young woman with severe hypertension, unilateral renal artery stenosis, variously normal or marginally high plasma concentrations of active renin, angiotensin II, aldosterone, sodium, and potassium; and normal total exchangeable and total body sodium and potassium. Arteriograms and ureter catheterization showed the stenosis to be severe, but the unstimulated renal vein renin and angiotensin II differential to be modest. Captopril caused an initial fall in angiotensin II and arterial pressure. During prolonged captopril treatment, plasma angiotensin II and aldosterone remained depressed; exchangeable and total body sodium and potassium were unaltered. Blood pressure fell further to normal levels during prolonged captopril treatment, while subsequent surgical correction of the renal artery stenosis was curative; absolute values of blood pressure and plasma angiotensin II were similar in both situations. The findings support, without proving, the concept that chronic modest elevation of angiotensin II may be responsible for sustained hypertension in unilateral renal artery stenosis. Patients of this type contrast sharply with those, also with severe renal artery stenosis or occlusion, who have gross elevation of renin, angiotensin II, and aldosterone, with sodium and potassium deficiency. Captopril or surgery are effective in both syndromes, but the manner of response to treatment differs markedly.
Hypertension
PMID:Renal artery stenosis with normal angiotensin II values. Relationship between angiotensin II and body sodium and potassium on correction of hypertension by captopril and subsequent surgery. 700 27


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