Clinical and biochemical tests
Peripheral venous blood
BLOOD
Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) = DBP + 1/3 (SBP-DBP) were determined twice a day (7 a.m. and 16 p.m.) using an Omron electronic blood pressure monitor. Patients sat quietly in a quiet environment for 5–10 min before starting BP measurements, and were not allowed to drink strong tea, coffee, or alcohol for the preceding 30 min. The subject’s arm was placed at the same level as the right atrium and abducted to 45°, and the cuff was emptied of gas using a uniform electronic sphygmomanometer with the lower edge of the cuff 2–3 cm from the elbow fossa. BP was measured again at 1–2 min intervals and values averaged. We considered the average of BP at 7 a.m. and 16 p.m.Peripheral venous blood was collected on the mornings of Day 1 (before the run-in period), Day 8 (end of the run-in period), and Day 15 (end of the intervention period) for routine hematology, liver and kidney function, PRA, PAC, c-reactive protein (CRP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), and troponin I (TNI) measurements. We tested serum electrolytes and 24-h urine electrolytes daily, and recorded daily water intake and fasting weight in the morning. Blood samples were kept at -4°C immediately after collection and sent for testing within 2 h.