Atrial natriuretic peptide and blood pressure in a population-based sample

Objective: To assess the relationship of plasma atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) levels with blood pressure levels and the occurrence of hypertension in a large population-based sample. Design: We performed a cross-sectional study of the relationship between ANP levels and blood pressure levels, diagnosis of hypertension, and family history of hypertension in Caucasians from Rochester, Minnesota. Material and Methods: Plasma ANP and blood pressure levels were measured in 1,338 Caucasian subjects who were members of 301 three-generation families from the population of Rochester. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure of 140 mm Hg or more or diastolic blood pressure of 90 mm Hg or more. Each subject in the parental generation was categorized as having zero, one, or two parents with hypertension. Analyses were done separately for each generation and gender stratum. Results: Within gender and generation strata, we noted no consistent pattern of positive or negative correlation of plasma ANP levels with systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, or heart rate. Within the grandparental generation, mean plasma ANP levels did not differ between those with normal blood pressure and those with hypertension. In the parental generation, mean plasma ANP levels did not differ between subjects with zero, one, or two parents with hypertension. Conclusion: In Caucasians, interindividual differences in plasma ANP levels are not associated with interindividual differences in blood pressure levels, the diagnosis of hypertension, or family history of hypertension.