MEDizzy - A 60-year-old businessman is evaluated by his physician, who

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CARDIOVASCULAR PHYSIOLOGY

A 60-year-old businessman is evaluated by his physician, who determines that his blood pressure is significantly elevated at 185/130 mm Hg. Laboratory tests reveal an increase in plasma renin activity, plasma aldosterone level, and left renal vein renin level. His right renal vein renin level is decreased. What is the most likely cause of the patient’s hypertension?

ExplanationIn this patient, hypertension is most likely caused by left renal artery stenosis, which led to increased renin secretion by the left kidney. The increased plasma renin activity causes an increased secretion of aldosterone, which increases Na ion reabsorption by the renal distal tubule. The increased Na ion reabsorption leads to increased blood volume and blood pressure. The right kidney responds to the increase in blood pressure by decreasing its renin secretion. Aldosterone-secreting tumors cause increased levels of aldosterone but decreased plasma renin activity (as a result of decreased renin secretion by both kidneys). Pheochromocytoma is associated with increased circulating levels of catecholamines, which increase blood pressure by their effects on the heart (increased heart rate and contractility) and blood vessels (vasoconstriction); the increase in blood pressure is sensed by the kidneys and results in decreased plasma renin activity and aldosterone levels.