Alterations of calcium, magnesium, and zinc in essential hypertension:their relation to the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system
García Zozaya, J.L.; Padilla Viloria, M.
Investigacion Clinica 38(Suppl 2): 27-40
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0535-5133 PMID: 9471228 Document Number: 475415
Based on our studies at the Hypertension research unit, we have found that the renin-angiotensin aldosterone. System (RAAS) undergoes several changes being the following the most relevant: Low plasma renin concentration (LPRC), while the plasma Aldosterone concentration is high (HPAC). At the same time we found calcium metabolism alterations: High urine calcium excretion, low serum ionic calcium and high PTH level. This alterations are more evident if the elder patient become hypertensive. We have found this changes in several groups in our community: black, ancient, obese and diabetic patients; who more often suffer hypertension and they must be followed up closely. In this group there are the sodium dependent hypertensive and they are the one who can get beneficial effects from the low salt diet and high calcium intake. When we studied the low plasma renin hypertensive we found the calcium changes mentioned before in ancient patient, as well as, high urine Zinc excretion. When we gave and oral calcium supplement to these patients, we saw that the calcium and Zinc alterations mentioned before were corrected. The high plasma renin concentration hypertensive patients showed low serum magnesium concentration and high urine magnesium excretion. A brief comment on the possible role of oxidative stress on essential hypertension is made.