Natriuretic Effect and Changes in Renal Haemodynamics Induced by Enalapril in Essential Hypertension

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the natriuretic effect and renal haemodynamic changes induced by enalapril in patients with essential hypertension. In a group of 11 patients with mild to moderate hypertension with normal renal function, and on a controlled sodium intake (80 mmol/day), a decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure was observed (p <0.001) after 16 weeks of enalapril treatment (20 mg/day), without a change in heart rate. An increase in plasma renin activity (p <0.05) without changes in serum aldosterone, and a decrease in exchangeable sodium (p <0.001) were present at the end of the treatment period.