Deletion Polymorphism of ACE Gene Is Associated with Higher Blood Pressure after Hospitalization in Normotensive Subjects

Abstract

Blood pressure has been shown to decrease in response to hospital admission. Several parameters including the decline of sympathetic nervous activity and negative sodium balance have been shown to be involved in this phenomenon. We investigated genetic influence on office BP and BP after hospitalization. One hundred and sixty-three men from the general population, free from antihypertensive medication, were enrolled in the present study. They stayed at the hospital for general medical check-up. BP was measured on the day of admission, and again the following day. Mean systolic blood pressure was significantly decreased after hospitalization from 117.3±9.9mmHg to 115.3±12.8mmHg (p=0.042). Subjects with DD+ID genotype showed a significantly higher systolic blood pressure after hospitalization than that of subjects with genotype II. There were no genotype specific differences in diastolic blood pressure or changes in blood pressure by the administration. In summary, systolic blood pressure after hospitalization was significantly higher in normotensive male subjects who possessed the D allele of ACE I/D polymorphism. (Hypertens Res 2000; 23: 201-205)