Influence and analysis of blood pressure in young soldiers with first-stage hypertension during plateau encampment

AIM To investigate the influence of blood pressure (BP) on young soldiers with first-stage hypertension during plateau encampment and to analyze the underlying mechanisms. METHODSBP of 13 young soldiers with first-stage hypertension was recorded at different time points (before arriving at plateau and 10 days, 30 days, 60 days after plateau encampment) and blood samples at corresponding time points were obtained for analysis of hormone levels. RESULTSBP on 11th, 31st and 61st day of plateau encampment was significantly higher than baseline (P<0.05). Hormone levels of angiotensin II were consistently higher than baseline from the 11th day of plateau encampment, and aldosterone and cortisol contents were significantly higher on the 61st day of encampment than at baseline. CONCLUSIONDuring plateau encampment, high blood pressure of soldiers suffering first-stage hypertension deteriorates, which is probably related to activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and elevation of stress hormone levels.