Enhancement by diuretics of the antihypertensive action of long-term angiotensin converting enzyme blockade.
Thirty-nine patients with various types of hypertension were treated by chronic blockage of the angiotensin converting enzyme, i.e. by twice daily administration of captopril, 50 to 200 mg p.o. The blood pressure reduction observed 1 hour following administration of the inhibitor was directly related to the baseline plasma renin activity (r=- 0.67, p < 0.001). Whenever blockade of the renin system alone did not lower blood pressure to normal levels additional sodium subtraction brought it under control. With the renin system neutralized, blood pressure becomes exquisitely sensitive to changes in sodium balance. Diuretics seem to preserve optimal natriuretic efficacy despite blood pressure reduction, probably because aldosterone levels are reduced and renal blood flow increases. Blockade of the renin system together with individually tailored salt subtraction provides an attractive new approach to long-term treatment of clinical hypertension.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D002216:Captopril / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002752:Chlorthalidone / Q000494:pharmacology; D004232:Diuretics / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004357:Drug Synergism; D005260:Female; D005665:Furosemide / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D006929:Hyperaldosteronism / Q000188:drug therapy; D006973:Hypertension / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006978:Hypertension, Renovascular / Q000188:drug therapy; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000188:drug therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008914:Minoxidil / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011392:Proline / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D011433:Propranolol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006435:Renal Dialysis; D012083:Renin / Q000097:blood; D012964:Sodium / Q000378:metabolism
D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D004232:Diuretics; D008914:Minoxidil; D005665:Furosemide; D011392:Proline; D002216:Captopril; D012964:Sodium; D011433:Propranolol; D012083:Renin; D002752:Chlorthalidone