This is a research study that will examine the relationship between genetics, hormones and blood pressure. Blood pressure is regulated by several complex mechanisms. Substances (hormones) produced in the brain, liver, kidney and blood vessels are part of this process. When any of these systems are out of balance, people can have low or high blood pressure. High blood pressure is a common condition in the U.S.. The reasons people get high blood pressure are not completely understood. Family history and external exposures such as diet, environmental stressors, certainly play a role. Sodium, one of the components of salt, is important in many body functions, including maintenance of our blood volume. The kidney, through complex mechanisms involving hormones and blood pressure regulates the amount of sodium in our bodies, by eliminating excess sodium in the urine, or keeping sodium when needed. Some individuals are more sensitive to salt than others. That means that, these people, called salt-sensitive, are not able to handle heavy loads of salt, thus, their blood pressure may increase if they eat too much salt. By the same token, when they eat less salt, their blood pressure gets lower. The reasons why people are or are not sensitive to salt are unknown. It appears that the condition may be inherited and certain external conditions may make it better or worse. We believe that the kidney plays an important role in the blood pressure regulation. Our group identified a substance produced in the kidney that lowers blood pressure. This substance is called Ang-(1-7) and may help salt-sensitive people better regulate their blood pressure. Genetics (what you inherit from your parents), plays an important role on individual's Ang-(1-7) production. In the current study, we plan to examine and better understand how people's genetic make-up influence their Ang-(1-7) production and salt tolerance. By increasing our knowledge in this field, we will be able to treat people more effectively.
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