High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a serious problem in the African-American (AA) population which affects nearly 7 of every 10 AAs in our area. Previously the investigators showed that a significant number of AAs held onto or retained salt during mental stress (sodium retainers). The investigators believe that the increased salt load and resulting blood pressure load contributes to the eventual development of hypertension in these individuals. The purpose of this study is to find out if this response is due to the direct stimulation of the kidney (the organ that controls salt levels in the body, by the brain). To do this, the investigators will determine if a drug that stops the connection between the brain and the kidney during mental stress will prevent sodium retention in sodium retainers. Prazosin is an alpha adrenergic receptor blocker that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). None of the subjects who participate in this study have high blood pressure. The subjects will not know which testing week is the drug week and which is the placebo week.
Age range
18 Years – 50 Years
Sex
ALL
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A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Urinary sodium excretion rate
Timeframe: 2 hours