Plasma Renin Activity and Angiotensin Pressor Dose in Hypertension: Correlation and Diagnostic Implications

Data obtained from 65 hypertensive patients showed a clear-cut positive correlation between peripheral plasma renin activity and the pressor response to exogenous angiotensin II (r =+0.75). For the various causes of hypertension, the mean values of plasma renin concentration were found to correspond closely to the mean values of the angiotensin pressor dose. In individual cases, however, the pressor dose of angiotensin was not found to be a reliable gauge of peripheral venous renin activity.It was impossible to establish a causal diagnosis from the results of the angiotensin infusion test or the renin level in peripheral blood under normal conditions. If, however, determinations are carried out on the renal venous effluent with sodium restriction and with the patient in the upright position the renin level is very valuable both in the diagnosis of renovascular hypertension and in predicting the probable outcome of surgical treatment.