Key result
Early borderline hypertension is linked to higher hematocrit and contracted plasma volume versus normotension.
Why the study?
Alterations in circulating fluid components and hematocrit described in moderate to severe hypertension have not been characterized in early borderline hypertension.
Case-Control (n=63)
Association in early borderline hypertension does not support practice change; leaves open whether plasma volume contraction precedes hypertension onset.
Hematocrit, red blood cell mass, plasma volume and plasma renin activity were evaluated in 33 (15 women) young patients with borderline hypertension and in 30 (15 women) age- and sex-matched normotensive control subjects. Mean hematocrit values were slightly but significantly higher (P less than 0.05) at this early stage of hypertension and it correlated with the elevation of arterial hypertension (r = 0.39, P less than 0.05). Red blood cell mass was normal indicating normal bone marrow production. Plasma volume was significantly contracted (p less than 0.05) and it can account in part for the increased hematocrit and plasma renin activity. These results indicate that the alterations in circulating fluid components and in hematocrit described in moderate to severe forms of hypertension are also present in early borderline hypertension.
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Lebel et al. (1989) conducted a case-control in Borderline hypertension (n=63). Borderline hypertension vs. Normotensive control subjects was evaluated on Hematocrit, red blood cell mass, plasma volume and plasma renin activity (p=<0.05). Early borderline hypertension was associated with significantly higher mean hematocrit (P<0.05) and contracted plasma volume (P<0.05) compared to normotensive controls.
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