Abstract P218: Resistant hypertension is associated with elevated 24-hour cortisol to cortisone ratios in black patients.

Abstract

Background: RHTN is defined as blood pressure above goal despite using ≥3 antihypertensive medications. Patients with RHTN are at an increased risk for cardiovascular (CVD) compared to those with more easily controlled hypertension (HTN). Blacks With RHTN are at a specifically high risk for CVD. Mineralocorticoid receptor activation has been found as an important mechanism of RHTN. However, aldosterone levels are not different in blacks versus whites. The role of 24-hour cortisol-to-cortisone ratios in this group has not been investigated. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of a large cohort of 2397 black and white patients with RHTN who were referred to the RHTN Clinic at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and who underwent 24-hour urine collection including cortisol and cortisone. Patients with HTN served as a control group. Results: Black patients with RHTN compared to whites had a trend to higher 24h cortisol levels (17.7±27.6 vs 16.9±14.9, p =0.70, significantly lower 24h cortisone levels (60.45±37.7 vs 75.3±40.0, p 0.000234), and significantly higher 24h cortisol-to-cortisone ratios (0.23±0.14 vs 0.20 ±0.10, p=0.027). They were younger (53.3±11.6 vs 59.4±12.9 years), more obese (BMI 34.9±7.6 vs 30.8±6.1 kg/m2, p<0.001), had earlier onset of HTN (35.6±12.5 vs 41.4±11.6 years of age, p<0.001), higher 24-hour urinary sodium excretion (188.2±92.5 vs 174.9±83.1 mmol, p=0.006) and lower potassium excretion (54.5 ±28.6 vs 65.5 ±30.5 mmol, p<0.001). Furthermore, they had a significantly higher rate of heart failure (p=0.000455) and diabetes (p=0.0006). Conclusion: Cortisol dysregulation and a higher cortisol-to-cortisone ratio as an index of 11beta HSD2 activity may play a role in black patients with RHTN and may be related to adverse outcomes in this population.