Clinical and functional manifestations of hypervolemia in patients with arterial hypertension

Aim. To identify clinical and functional manifestations of hypervolemia in patients with arterial hypertension (AH). Material and methods. In total, 440 patients with Stage I-II AH were examined, including assessment of salt taste sensitivity threshold (STST), 24-hour urinary Na excretion, and NaCl excretion. In addition, 24-hour blood pressure monitoring (BPM), echocardiography (EchoCG), and psychological status assessment (SMOL, MOS SF-36) were performed. Results. In 50,5% of AH patients, daily salt intake (assessed by 24-hour NaCl excretion) was ≥16,8 g, due to adding salt to food, as well as to reduced STST. Higher salt intake was associated with more advanced clinical and functional AH manifestations. Indirect markers of hypervolemia in AH patients included higher salt intake, low effectiveness of standard antihypertensive therapy (AHT), disturbed circadian BP rhythm with inadequate nighttime BP reduction, and EchoCG signs of left ventricular volume overload. Conclusion. Complex examination of AH patients helps to identify individuals with clinical and functional manifestations of hypervolemia