Atrial natriuretic peptide in diabetes mellitus patients with arterial hypertension

: The basal level of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) of the venous blood plasma was investigated in 105 diabetic patients with concomitant arterial hypertension (AH) as well as in 20 healthy persons of the same age. Analysis of the results of investigation was performed with respect to AH type (essential, atherosclerotic, nephrogenic) and expression of cardiac changes. An ANP level in diabetic patients without AH did not differ from that of the controls. In the presence of AH this level was increased 2-10-fold. The highest level of ANP was observed in patients with nephrogenic hypertension and marked cardiac disorders. The results obtained suggest the role of ANP in AH pathogenesis.