Study of erythrocyte Na/K flux ratio as a genetic marker for essential hypertension : its relation to the family history of essential hypertension, serum lipids and serum electrolytes

Abstract

84 normotensive healthy children aged 12 to 15 years were studied. Erythrocyte Na/K flux ratio was examined in relation to serum Na, K, total and HDL cholesterol, and blood hemoglobin concentration. Erythrocyte Na/K flux ratio showed a significant positive correlation with blood hemoglobin concentration, and a negative correlation with serum K level. A strong family history of essential hypertension was associated with the decreased ratio of ery-throcyte Na/K flux. These findings suggest that erythrocyte Na/K flux ratio may be a genetic marker for essential hypertension. However, careful consideration might be needed to evaluate this ratio, since it may be affected by serum K or blood hemoglobin concentration.