BODY FLUID AND ELECTROLYTE COMPOSITION IN ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION. I. STUDIES IN ESSENTIAL, RENAL AND MALIGNANT HYPERTENSION*

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Abstract
In uncomplicated essential and renal hypertension, exchangeable Na (Na24 space), exchangeable K (K42 space), extracellular fluid volume (S35O4 space), and serum osmolality were not significantly different from the values obtained in control subjects. In hypertension complicated by heart failure, even of a mild degree without clinically detectable peripheral edema, exchangeable Na and radiosulfate space were significantly elevated, whereas exchangeable K was slightly reduced. In malignant hypertension, exchangeable Na and radiosulfate space were also significantly increased while exchangeable K was slightly reduced. These body fluid and electrolyte patterns are significantly different from those found in the hypertension associated with primary aldosteronism.