Sixty years later (To 60-year anniversary since publication of G.T. Lang^'s book «Essential hypertension»)

Abstract

To evaluate neurogenic theory of essential hypertension taking into account the recently obtained findings. Design and methods. We analyzed evidence data and our own results from a group of 630 hypertensive patients. The threshold of their gustatory sensation to dietary salt (DS), urinary sodium excretion, daily blood pressure monitoring, echocardiography, cardiointervalography were studied; psychological state was assessed. The control group consisted of 350 healthy persons. Results. According to our data, inсreased DS consumption is the main factor leading to clinical and functional manifestations of arterial hypertension. According to the literature data citizens of blocked Leningrad obtained excessive amount of DS that could be the main cause of the epidemic of arterial hypertension in the blocked city. Conclusions. Decrease of DS consumption by population is fundamental preventive measure of lowering hypertension prevalence