The expression of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in primary hypertension

Objective: To explore the correlation between primary hypertension and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) in patients. Methods: The plasma levels of renin activity in supine (PRA), angiotensin II in supine and aldosterone in supine and standing (ALD) were measured with RIA, Using a case-normal study program, 100 patients with primary hypertension were compared to 35 normal controls. Results: The plasma level of PRA in supine of the hypertensive patients was significantly lower than that of controls (P < 0.05), but the plasma levels of AngII in supine and ALD in supine were obviously higher (P < 0.05). With the severity of their blood pressure, the plasma level of PRA in supine decreased, but the plasma levels of AngII in supine and ALD in supine and standing increased and showed statistical difference between the groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion: There was a strong association between etiology of primary hypertension and RAAS. Plasma PRA, AngII and ALD likely to become one of the classification of primary hypertension and efficacy of an effective indicator. The reduction of AngII and ALD are critical events in the treatment of hypertension. (authors)