Elevated total body noradrenaline spillover in normotensive members of hypertensive families
Key result
A family history of essential hypertension in normotensive subjects was associated with higher resting arterial plasma noradrenaline concentrations (1.41 vs 0.82 nmol/l; P<0.002) compared to controls.
Why the study?
Does a family history of essential hypertension increase sympathetic nervous system activity in normotensive subjects?
Population
22 normotensive subjects
Comparison
Positive family history of essential hypertension vs Negative family history of essential hypertension
Design
Case-control
Authors
Discussion
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Member takes
Implication
Supports sympathetic overdrive in familial prehypertension risk; leaves open whether early intervention alters progression.
Study Design
Type
Observational (n=22)
Structured PICO
Does a family history of essential hypertension increase sympathetic nervous system activity in normotensive subjects?
P
Population
22 normotensive subjects, comprising 11 offspring of hypertensive parents and 11 matched controls, evaluated for sympathetic nervous system activity.
E
Exposure
Positive family history of essential hypertension
C
Comparator
Negative family history of essential hypertension (normotensive parents)
O
Outcome
Total body noradrenaline spillover to plasma and resting arterial plasma noradrenaline concentrationsurrogate
Main Result
Absolute Event Rate: 1.41% vs 0.82%
p-value: p=<0.002
Normotensive individuals with a family history of essential hypertension exhibit elevated sympathetic nervous system activity, which may precede the development of clinical hypertension.
Cite This Study
Ferrier et al. (1993) conducted an observational in Familial predisposition to essential hypertension (n=22). Family history of essential hypertension vs. No family history of essential hypertension was evaluated on Resting arterial plasma noradrenaline concentration (nmol/l) (p=<0.002). A family history of essential hypertension in normotensive subjects was associated with higher resting arterial plasma noradrenaline concentrations (1.41 vs 0.82 nmol/l; P<0.002) compared to controls.