PLASMA ANGIOTENSINOGEN CONCENTRATIONS IN OBESE PATIENTS

A close relationship between obesity and hypertension has been recogni zed, and plasma angiotensinogen concentrations (p-AGT) have been repor ted to correlate with blood pressure (BP). However, little is known ab out AGT in obese patients with hypertension. To define the role of AGT in obese hypertension, we measured p-AGT in obese patients. The subje cts were 42 obese patients diagnosed on the basis of a body mass index (BMI) of more than 25 kg/m(2), and 21 sex- and age-matched nonobese p atients, whose BMI was less than 25 kg/m(2). The hypertensive patients had not previously received antihypertensive drugs. P-AGT (P<.05) and mean BP (P<.0001) was increased in the obese patients as compared wit h the nonobese patients. Positive correlations were observed between B MI and p-AGT, mean BP and p-AGT, and BMI and mean BP (all P<.05). Howe ver, after adjustment for blood pressure, p-AGT was not different betw een groups, and after adjustment a positive correlation remained only between BMI and mean BP. These results suggested the possible involvem ent of increased p-AGT in hypertension in obese patients, although thi s may be a secondary change to hypertension or obesity. (C) 1997 by th e American Journal of Hypertension, Ltd.