Increased Plasma Renin by Vasodilators Promotes the Progression of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

The study found that increased plasma renin levels (PRL) and plasma renin activity (PRA) are positively associated with the development of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). In a case-control design involving 20 AAA patients and 40 control patients, it was shown that direct-acting vasodilators like hydralazine and minoxidil, which increase PRL and PRA, aggravated AAA progression in mice. These findings suggest caution in using these vasodilators in patients with AAA or those at high risk for arterial diseases, highlighting the critical role of the renin-angiotensin system in AAA progression.