Association Between Positive Family History for Hypertension and Salt Sensitivity of Blood Pressure in Normotensive Individuals



Golshahi J^{1, 5, 7} ; Sadeghi M^{2, 3} ; Mousavi M^{2, 3} ; Porheidar B^{2, 3} ; Bidram P^{2, 3} ; Boldaji RN^{4, 6} ; Bahonar A^{1, 5, 7} ; Heidari E^{4, 6} ; Mahjoor Z^{4, 6} ; Sarrafzadegan N^{1, 5, 7} Show Affiliations
Source: Iranian Heart Journal Published:2014

Abstract

Hypertension (HTN) is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Daily sodium consumption is an important risk factor for HTN. The aim of the current study was to assess the association between positive family history for HTN and salt sensitivity of blood pressure in normotensive individuals. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 130 normotensive individuals aged from 18 to 60 years were included. Demographic characteristics and family histories of HTN (in father, mother, brother, and sister) were obtained. On the first day, each individual received10 mmol of sodium and a low-calorie diet and two liters of normal saline (500 ml/hr); and two hours afterward, the mean arterial pressure (MAP) was measured. On the second day, the same diet as the first day and three doses of oral Furosemide (40 mg each) were ordered and the MAP was calculated. Individuals with a decrease of MAP >10 nunHg were defined as salt sensitive” and those with a decrease of MAP <5 mniHg were categorized as salt insensitive”. Results: Of the participants, 99 (76.2%) were male and 38 (29.2%) had a positive family history of HTN. Also 16 (12.3%), 18 (13.8%), 2 (1.5%), and 0 (0.0%) had a positive history of HTN diagnosed for their fathers, mothers, sisters, and brothers respectively. Also, 52 (40%), 32 (24.6%), and 46 (35.4%) patients were salt sensitive, intermediate, and salt insensitive, respectively. There were no significant differences between the three groups of salt sensitivity in the distribution of positive family history of HTN (all P values>0.05). Conclusion: Our results showed no association between a positive family history of HTN and salt sensitivity of blood pressure. © 2014, Iranian Heart Journal. All rights reserved.