Effects of familial relationships, age, body weight, and diet on blood pressure and the 24 hour urinary excretion of sodium, potassium, and creatinine in men, women, and children of randomly selected families

A study of 233 randomly-selected families examined the effect of familial relationships, age, diet, and body weight on blood pressure and urinary excretory products. A strong familial influence was noted for urinary Na, K, and creatinine excretion and for systolic blood pressure. In given individuals, body weight, age, and heart rate were independently associated with blood pressure. In women, urinary Na and K excretions were related to diastolic blood pressure. The results indicated that heavier people eat more food, reflecting higher Na intakes. The observance of blood pressure rising with age suggests the influence of environmental factors on blood pressure. The study results emphasize the importance of the family unit in hypertension treatment and prevention. (wz)