Clinical endocrinology
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Clinical endocrinology · Mar 2016
β-Blocker withdrawal is preferable for accurate interpretation of the aldosterone-renin ratio in chronically treated hypertension.
To evaluate the effects of β-adrenoreceptor antagonists (β-blockers) on the aldosterone-renin ratio (ARR) in the context of antihypertensive polypharmacy in chronic hypertension. To determine the optimal duration of β-blocker withdrawal required to normalize the ARR. ⋯ Raised ARR consequent to β-blocker therapy causes false-positive screening for PA. Where β-blockers can be safely withdrawn, this effect is reversed within 2-3 weeks depending on whether DRC or PRA is used to calculate ARR.