The Renin Angiotensin System in Essential Hypertension

INTERVENTION: Randomised crossover trial CONDITION: Cardiovascular: Essential hypertension ; Circulatory System ; Essential (primary) hypertension PRIMARY OUTCOME: This research is based on the increasing evidence that blockade of the renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system has benefits additional to a fall in blood pressure. There are two major ways of blocking the renin‐angiotensin system (RAS), either by inhibiting the enzyme that generates angiotensin II or by blocking the angiotensin receptor, that medicates most of the actions of angiotensin II on its target tissues.; The original and existing aim of this study is to compare the effects of enalapril, an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, against candesartan, a potent and specific angiotensin II receptor blocker, in both normotensive and hypertensive subjects on a normal and moderate sodium restricted diet. Assessment of the contribution of the RAS to blood pressure control and of the mechanism whereby blood pressure falls, will provide important information about the maintenance of blood pressure. SECONDARY OUTCOME: Not provided at time of registration INCLUSION CRITERIA: 11 subjects and 11 controls