Premium
Hydrochlorothiazide‐induced sympathetic hyperactivity in hypertensive patients
Author(s) -
Lake C. Raymond,
Ziegler Michael G.,
Coleman Michael D.,
Kopin Irwin J.
Publication year - 1979
Publication title -
clinical pharmacology and therapeutics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.941
H-Index - 188
eISSN - 1532-6535
pISSN - 0009-9236
DOI - 10.1002/cpt1979264428
Subject(s) - hydrochlorothiazide , natriuresis , medicine , diuresis , norepinephrine , endocrinology , peripheral resistance , diuretic , peripheral , sympathetic nervous system , cardiology , cardiac output , blood pressure , kidney , dopamine
Hydrochlorothiazide‐induced diuresis and natriuresis is considered to be responsible for the antihypertensive effect of this drug. After short‐term treatment there is decreased cardiac output and increased peripheral resistance which we have found to be attended by increased plasma norepinephrine (NE) levels. After longer treatment cardiac output returns to normal and peripheral resistance declines. At this time, plasma NE levels remain elevated, indicating that peripheral resistance reduction is not a consequence of a reduction of the elevated level of sympathetic activity. These results provide a rationale for the combined use of diuretics and drugs which diminish noradrenergic activity in the treatment of hypertension.