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Veldhuizen GP, Alnazer RM, Kroon AA, de Leeuw PW. Variability of aldosterone, renin and the aldosterone-to-renin ratio in hypertensive patients without primary aldosteronism. J Hypertens 2022; 40:2256-2262. [PMID: 35950999 DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0000000000003257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aldosterone-to-renin ratio (ARR) is commonly used in the screening of primary aldosteronism. However, limited information is available with regard to the intra-patient variability in this ratio. Our objective is to determine whether ARR measurements are reliably consistent over both the short- and long-term. METHODS We assessed the short-term variability of the aldosterone-to-renin ratio in 116 unmedicated, essential hypertensive participants who had two blood samples taken in the morning of the same day for measurement of aldosterone and active plasma renin concentration. Long-term variability was studied in 22 unmedicated, essential hypertensive participants who had two blood samples taken approximately 1 year apart. All samples were taken under highly standardized conditions. RESULTS Our data show that renin, aldosterone and the aldosterone-to-renin ratio show marked variations, both when measured on the same day and when assessed at a longer interval. The ARR becomes increasingly variable as its mean value increases. Its degree of variability is similar in both the short-term and the long-term. CONCLUSIONS Based on our findings, we conclude that the aldosterone-to-renin has acceptable short-term variability in the lower ranges, but increasingly dubious reliability as aldosterone-to-renin values rise. Thus, in a clinical context, great caution should be taken in interpreting point-measurements of moderate to high aldosterone-to-renin ratio values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory P Veldhuizen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center and Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, The Netherlands
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2
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Wannachalee T, Turcu AF. Primary Aldosteronism: a Continuum from Normotension to Hypertension. Curr Cardiol Rep 2021; 23:105. [PMID: 34196827 DOI: 10.1007/s11886-021-01538-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the most common cause of secondary hypertension. Emerging evidence suggests that PA is associated with cardiovascular, metabolic, and renal complications, that likely develop insidiously, due to prolonged inappropriate mineralocorticoid receptor activation. In this review, we discuss the expanding clinical and pathological spectrum of PA. RECENT FINDINGS Clinical and molecular studies conducted over the recent years reveal that PA traverses a series of contiguous stages. Pre-clinical, but hormonally overt PA has been identified in patients with normal blood pressure, and such patients harbor an increased risk of developing hypertension. Similarly, genetic and histopathological advancements have exposed a spectrum of PA pathology that corresponds to a continuum that spans from pre-clinical stages to florid PA. PA evolves from pre-hypertensive stages to resistant hypertension, along with serious cardiovascular and renal consequences. Early recognition of PA and targeted therapy will be essential for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality prevention in a large number of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taweesak Wannachalee
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, University of Michigan, 1150 W Medical Center Drive, MSRB II, 5570B, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.,Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Adina F Turcu
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, University of Michigan, 1150 W Medical Center Drive, MSRB II, 5570B, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
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3
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Veldhuizen GP, Alnazer RM, Kroon AA, de Leeuw PW. Confounders of the aldosterone-to-renin ratio when used as a screening test in hypertensive patients: A critical analysis of the literature. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich) 2020; 23:201-207. [PMID: 33368994 PMCID: PMC8030008 DOI: 10.1111/jch.14117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The aldosterone‐to‐renin ratio (ARR) is a common screening test for primary aldosteronism in hypertensives. However, there are many factors which could confound the ARR test result and reduce the accuracy of this test. The present review's objective is to identify these factors and to describe to what extent they affect the ARR. Our analysis revealed that sex, age, posture, and sodium‐intake influence the ARR, whereas assay techniques do not. Race and body mass index have an uncertain effect on the ARR. We conclude that several factors can affect the ARR. Not taking these factors into account could lead to misinterpretation of the ARR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory P Veldhuizen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center & Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Rawan M Alnazer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center & Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Abraham A Kroon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center & Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Peter W de Leeuw
- Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center & Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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4
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Pilz S, Grübler MR, Theiler-Schwetz V, Malle O, Trummer C. The Unrecognized Prevalence of Primary Aldosteronism. Ann Intern Med 2020; 173:681-682. [PMID: 33075254 DOI: 10.7326/l20-1094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Pilz
- Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria (S.P., M.R.G., V.T., O.M., C.T.)
| | - Martin R Grübler
- Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria (S.P., M.R.G., V.T., O.M., C.T.)
| | | | - Oliver Malle
- Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria (S.P., M.R.G., V.T., O.M., C.T.)
| | - Christian Trummer
- Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria (S.P., M.R.G., V.T., O.M., C.T.)
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5
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Pilz S, Keppel MH, Trummer C, Theiler-Schwetz V, Pandis M, Borzan V, Pittrof M, Obermayer-Pietsch B, Grübler MR, Verheyen N, Stepan V, Meinitzer A, Voelkl J, März W, Tomaschitz A. Diagnostic Accuracy of the Aldosterone-to-Active Renin Ratio for Detecting Primary Aldosteronism. J Endocr Soc 2019; 3:1748-1758. [PMID: 31528833 PMCID: PMC6735732 DOI: 10.1210/js.2019-00145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Context The aldosterone-to-active renin ratio (AARR) is the recommended screening test for primary aldosteronism (PA), but prospective study data on its sensitivity and specificity are sparse. Objective To investigate the diagnostic accuracy of the AARR for detecting PA. Design Prospective diagnostic accuracy study. Setting This study was conducted from February 2009 to August 2015 at the outpatient clinic of the Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology of the Medical University of Graz, Austria. Participants Four hundred patients with arterial hypertension who were referred to a tertiary care center for screening for endocrine hypertension. Intervention Participants had a determination of the AARR (index test) and a second AARR determination followed by a saline infusion test (SIT) after 2 to 6 weeks. PA was diagnosed in individuals with any AARR ≥3.7 ng/dL/µU/mL [including a plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) of ≥9 ng/dL] who had a PAC ≥10 ng/dL after the SIT. We did not substantially alter antihypertensive drug intake. Main Outcome Measures Primary outcome was the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve of the AARR in diagnosing PA. Results A total of 382 participants were eligible for analyses; PA was diagnosed in 18 (4.7%) patients. The area under the ROC curve of the AARR in detecting PA was 0.973 (95% CI, 0.956 to 0.990). Sensitivity and specificity for a positive AARR in diagnosing PA were 100% (95% CI, 81.5% to 100.0%) and 89.6% (95% CI, 86.0% to 92.5%), respectively. Conclusions The AARR has good diagnostic accuracy for detecting PA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Pilz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Martin H Keppel
- University Institute for Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Christian Trummer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Verena Theiler-Schwetz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Marlene Pandis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Valentin Borzan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Matthias Pittrof
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Barbara Obermayer-Pietsch
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.,CBmed, Center for Biomarker Research in Medicine, Graz, Austria
| | - Martin R Grübler
- Department of Cardiology, Swiss Cardiovascular Center Bern, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Verheyen
- Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Vinzenz Stepan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Andreas Meinitzer
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics Medical, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Jakob Voelkl
- Institute for Physiology, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria.,Departments of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care and Internal Medicine and Cardiology, Charité University Medicine, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Berlin, Germany.,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Winfried März
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics Medical, University of Graz, Graz, Austria.,Synlab Academy, Mannheim, Germany.,Nephrology, Hypertensiology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology, Diabetology, Medical Clinic V, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
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6
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Criteria for diagnosing primary aldosteronism on the basis of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry determinations of plasma aldosterone concentration. J Hypertens 2019; 36:1592-1601. [PMID: 29677048 DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0000000000001735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary aldosteronism is affecting about 10% of hypertensive patients. Primary aldosteronism should be diagnosed by screening tests based on plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) and aldosterone-to-renin ratio (ARR), followed by confirmatory test. The cutoff values for PAC and ARR depend on PAC and plasma renin measurement methods. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), the new gold standard method for aldosterone determination, is now widespread but shows lower values than immunoassays. New cutoff values have yet to be determined with LC-MS/MS PAC. METHODS In a retrospective cohort, we measured PAC by LC-MS/MS in 93 healthy volunteers, 77 patients with essential hypertension and 82 primary aldosteronism patients (42 lateralized, 24 bilateral, 16 primary aldosteronism without adrenal vein sampling) after 30 min in a seated position. RESULTS PAC ranged from 42 to 309 pmol/l in healthy volunteers and from 63 to 362 pmol/l in essential hypertensive patients. A cutoff value of 360 pmol/l for basal PAC had a sensitivity of 90.5% and a specificity of 95.1% to differentiate lateralized primary aldosteronism from essential hypertensive patients. ARR ranged from 2.3 to 22.3 in healthy volunteers and from 3.2 to 55.6 pmol/mU in essential hypertensive patients. Using ROC curves, we selected an ARR of 46 pmol/mU, which provided a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 93.4% to distinguish between essential hypertensive and lateralized primary aldosteronism patients (sensitivity 94.4%, specificity 93.9% for the overall primary aldosteronism population). CONCLUSION Criteria for primary aldosteronism screening need to be adapted, given the increasing use of LC-MS/MS to determine PAC. We suggest to use 360 pmol/l and 46 pmol/mU as cutoff values, respectively, for basal PAC and ARR after 30 min of seated rest.
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7
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Vaduganathan M, Cheema B, Cleveland E, Sankar K, Subacius H, Fonarow GC, Solomon SD, Lewis EF, Greene SJ, Maggioni AP, Böhm M, Zannad F, Butler J, Gheorghiade M. Plasma renin activity, response to aliskiren, and clinical outcomes in patients hospitalized for heart failure: the ASTRONAUT trial. Eur J Heart Fail 2017; 20:677-686. [PMID: 29143416 DOI: 10.1002/ejhf.973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2017] [Revised: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS The direct renin inhibitor, aliskiren, is known to reduce plasma renin activity (PRA), but whether the efficacy of aliskiren varies based on an individual's baseline PRA in patients hospitalized for heart failure (HF) is presently unknown. We characterized the prognostic value of PRA and determined if this risk is modifiable with use of aliskiren. METHODS AND RESULTS This pre-specified neurohormonal substudy of ASTRONAUT analysed all patients hospitalized for HF with ejection fraction (EF) ≤40% with available baseline PRA data (n = 1306, 80.9%). Risk associated with baseline PRA and short-term changes in PRA from baseline to 1 month was modelled with respect to 12-month clinical events. Median baseline PRA was 3.0 (interquartile range 0.6-16.4) ng/mL/h. Aliskiren significantly reduced PRA early after treatment initiation through 12-month follow-up compared with placebo (P < 0.001). The lowest baseline PRA quartile (<0.6 ng/mL/h) was independently predictive of lower all-cause mortality [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 0.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.31-0.81] and the composite of cardiovascular mortality and HF hospitalization (adjusted HR 0.57, 95% CI 0.40-0.79). Delta log-normalized PRA (from baseline to 1 month) was not predictive of either primary endpoint at 12 months (P ≥ 0.43). The prognostic value of baseline PRA and short-term changes in PRA did not vary by randomization to aliskiren or placebo (interaction P ≥ 0.13). CONCLUSIONS Plasma renin activity is reduced early and durably by aliskiren, but this did not translate into improved clinical outcomes in ASTRONAUT. Baseline PRA or short-term reduction in PRA do not identify a subgroup who may preferentially benefit from direct renin inhibition. Clinical Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Unique Identifier: NCT00894387.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muthiah Vaduganathan
- Brigham and Women's Hospital Heart & Vascular Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Baljash Cheema
- Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Erin Cleveland
- Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kamya Sankar
- Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Haris Subacius
- Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Gregg C Fonarow
- Ahmanson-UCLA Cardiomyopathy Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Scott D Solomon
- Brigham and Women's Hospital Heart & Vascular Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eldrin F Lewis
- Brigham and Women's Hospital Heart & Vascular Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stephen J Greene
- Division of Cardiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Michael Böhm
- Klinik für Innere Medizin III, Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes, Homburg, Germany
| | - Faiez Zannad
- INSERM, CHRU Nancy, Université de Lorraine, Centre d'Investigation Clinique CIC1433, Nancy, France
| | | | - Mihai Gheorghiade
- Center for Cardiovascular Innovation, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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8
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Stowasser M, Gordon RD. Primary Aldosteronism: Changing Definitions and New Concepts of Physiology and Pathophysiology Both Inside and Outside the Kidney. Physiol Rev 2016; 96:1327-84. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00026.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In the 60 years that have passed since the discovery of the mineralocorticoid hormone aldosterone, much has been learned about its synthesis (both adrenal and extra-adrenal), regulation (by renin-angiotensin II, potassium, adrenocorticotrophin, and other factors), and effects (on both epithelial and nonepithelial tissues). Once thought to be rare, primary aldosteronism (PA, in which aldosterone secretion by the adrenal is excessive and autonomous of its principal regulator, angiotensin II) is now known to be the most common specifically treatable and potentially curable form of hypertension, with most patients lacking the clinical feature of hypokalemia, the presence of which was previously considered to be necessary to warrant further efforts towards confirming a diagnosis of PA. This, and the appreciation that aldosterone excess leads to adverse cardiovascular, renal, central nervous, and psychological effects, that are at least partly independent of its effects on blood pressure, have had a profound influence on raising clinical and research interest in PA. Such research on patients with PA has, in turn, furthered knowledge regarding aldosterone synthesis, regulation, and effects. This review summarizes current progress in our understanding of the physiology of aldosterone, and towards defining the causes (including genetic bases), epidemiology, outcomes, and clinical approaches to diagnostic workup (including screening, diagnostic confirmation, and subtype differentiation) and treatment of PA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Stowasser
- Endocrine Hypertension Research Centre, University of Queensland School of Medicine, Greenslopes and Princess Alexandra Hospitals, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Richard D. Gordon
- Endocrine Hypertension Research Centre, University of Queensland School of Medicine, Greenslopes and Princess Alexandra Hospitals, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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9
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Fabian E, Schiller D, Tomaschitz A, Langner C, Pilz S, Quasthoff S, Raggam RB, Schoefl R, Krejs GJ. Clinical-Pathological Conference Series from the Medical University of Graz : Case No 160: 33-year-old woman with tetraparesis on Easter Sunday. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2016; 128:719-727. [PMID: 27682153 PMCID: PMC5052289 DOI: 10.1007/s00508-016-1085-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2016] [Accepted: 08/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Fabian
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dietmar Schiller
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Elisabethinen Hospital, Linz, Austria
| | - Andreas Tomaschitz
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Cord Langner
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Stefan Pilz
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Stefan Quasthoff
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Reinhard B Raggam
- Division of Angiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Rainer Schoefl
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Elisabethinen Hospital, Linz, Austria
| | - Guenter J Krejs
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036, Graz, Austria.
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10
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Grübler MR, Kienreich K, Gaksch M, Verheyen N, Hartaigh BÓ, Fahrleitner-Pammer A, März W, Schmid J, Oberreither EM, Wetzel J, Catena C, Sechi LA, Pieske B, Tomaschitz A, Pilz S. Aldosterone-to-Renin Ratio Is Associated With Reduced 24-Hour Heart Rate Variability and QTc Prolongation in Hypertensive Patients. Medicine (Baltimore) 2016; 95:e2794. [PMID: 26937909 PMCID: PMC4779006 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000002794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Aldosterone is considered to exert direct effects on the myocardium and the sympathetic nervous system. Both QT time and heart rate (HR) variability (HRV) are considered to be markers of arrhythmic risk and autonomous dysregulation. In this study, we investigated the associations between aldosterone, QT time, and HRV in patients with arterial hypertension.We recruited 477 hypertensive patients (age: 60.2 ± 10.2 years; 52.3% females) with a mean systolic/diastolic 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) value of 128 ± 12.8/77.1 ± 9.2 mmHg and with a median of 2 (IQR: 1-3) antihypertensive agents. Patients were recruited from the outpatient clinic at the Department of Internal Medicine of the Medical University of Graz, Austria. Blood samples, 24-hour HRV derived from 24-hour blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) and ECG's were obtained. Plasma aldosterone and plasma renin concentrations were measured by means of a radioimmunoassay. Twenty-four-hour urine specimens were collected in parallel with ABPM.Mean QTc was 423.3 ± 42.0 milliseconds for males and 434.7 ± 38.3 milliseconds for females. Mean 24H-HR and 24H-HRV was 71.9 ± 9.8 and 10.0 ± 3.6 bpm, respectively. In linear regression analyses adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, ABPM, and current medication, aldosterone to active renin ratio (AARR) was significantly associated with the QTc interval, a marker for cardiac repolarization abnormalities (mean = 426 ± 42.4 milliseconds; β-coefficient = 0.121; P = 0.03) as well as with the 24-hour heart rate variability a surrogate for autonomic dysfunction (median = 9.67 [IQR = 7.38-12.22 bpm]; β-coefficient = -0.133; P = 0.01).In hypertensive patients, AARR is significantly related to QTc prolongation as well as HRV. Further studies investigating the effects of mineralocorticoid receptor blocker and aldosterone synthase inhibitors on QTc and HRV are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin R Grübler
- From the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine (MRG, KK, MG, AF-P, E-MO, SP), Department of Cardiology (NV, JS, JW, BP, AT), Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria (WM), Swiss Cardiovascular Center Bern, Department of Cardiology, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland (MRG), Department of Radiology, Dalio Institute of Cardiovascular Imaging, New York-Presbyterian Hospital and the Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY (BOH), Synlab Academy, Synlab Services GmbH (WM), Medical Clinic V (Nephrology, Hypertensiology, Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Rheumatology), Mannheim Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany (WM), Clinical Medical Sciences, University of Udine, Udine, Italy (CC, LAS), Department of Cardiology, Campus Virchow, Charité University, Berlin, Germany (BP, AT), Specialist Clinic for Rehabilitation PV Bad Aussee, Bad Aussee, Austria (AT), Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (SP)
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11
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Prejbisz A, Warchoł-Celińska E, Lenders JWM, Januszewicz A. Cardiovascular Risk in Primary Hyperaldosteronism. Horm Metab Res 2015; 47:973-80. [PMID: 26575306 DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1565124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
After the first cases of primary aldosteronism were described and characterized by Conn, a substantial body of experimental and clinical evidence about the long-term effects of excess aldosterone on the cardiovascular system was gathered over the last 5 decades. The prevalence of primary aldosteronism varies considerably between different studies among hypertensive patients, depending on patient selection, the used diagnostic methods, and the severity of hypertension. Prevalence rates vary from 4.6 to 16.6% in those studies in which confirmatory tests to diagnose primary aldosteronism were used. There is also growing evidence indicating that prolonged exposure to elevated aldosterone concentrations is associated with target organ damage in the heart, kidney, and arterial wall, and high cardiovascular risk in patients with primary aldosteronism. Therefore, the aim of treatment should not be confined to BP normalization and hypokalemia correction, but rather should focus on restoring the deleterious effects of excess aldosterone on the cardiovascular system. Current evidence convincingly demonstrates that both surgical and medical treatment strategies beneficially affect cardiovascular outcomes and mortality in the long term. Further studies can be expected to provide better insight into the relationship between cardiovascular risk and complications and the genetic background of primary aldosteronism.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Prejbisz
- Department of Hypertension, Institute of Cardiology, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - J W M Lenders
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - A Januszewicz
- Department of Hypertension, Institute of Cardiology, Warsaw, Poland
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