Studies suggest that patients with low renin hypertension respond better to diuretics than other hypertensive drug groups. The aim of the study is to rotate patients through the four main diuretic groups and see if it is possible to identify the most effective diuretic for this group, as measured by a \>=10mgHg decrease in Systolic blood pressure in one specific group a compared to the others.
As most caucasians with Low renin hypertension are older (\>55), presentation with this type of hypertension at a younger age suggests the presence of substantial genetic variation in order to cause the atypical presentation. It is hoped that by identifying the best diuretic for these patients we will also be able to identify:
1. Whether the young low-renin hypertensives can be sub-classified according to their most effective diuretic;
2. Whether this sub-classification helps us to identify the genes and mutations responsible, since these are to expected to be in the so-called sodium channels (i.e. salt pumps)which the kidneys use to prevent salt being excreted in the urine.
