Evaluation of the vasodilator capacity in normotensive offsprings of hypertensive parents

ABSTRACT

Background: blood pressure [BP] levels appear to have strong familial tendencies. An estimated 30-60% of the variation of the BP between individuals, after adjustment of age and sex, is attributed to gene factors. Recent reports suggest occurrence of endothelial dysfunction in development of essential hypertension. The defective nitric oxide production resulting in reduced vasodilator capacity of the peripheral blood vessels, with consequent increase in the peripheral resistance and BP