
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, April 7, 1994                   TAG: 9404070321
SECTION: NATL/INT                    PAGE: A-7   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WASHINGTON                                LENGTH: Short

KIDNEY PATIENTS TOLD TO LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE

People with certain forms of kidney disease may stave off kidney failure for twice as long by lowering their blood pressure well below normal levels, scientists said Wednesday.

A new study shows that very low blood pressure dramatically helps black kidney patients and all patients with a type of the disease accompanied by protein in their urine.

The National Institutes of Health called the results so convincing that these patients should strive for a blood pressure of 125 over 75, below the normal range of 140 over 90.

Now the question is how patients can get their blood pressure below normal. Doctors don't usually prescribe drugs once people reach the normal range of 140 over 90. So experts assembled by NIH are drawing up recommendations to determine when drugs should be used, and when strict low-salt diets and exercise are enough.

The agency is starting a $24 million study this summer to see if an even lower pressure would be better for blacks, who have higher rates of kidney disease, and which drugs best help.

by CNB