Comparative effects of verapamil and volume overload on atrial natriuretic factors and the renin-angiotensin aldosterone-vasopressin system.

The authors compared the effects of verapamil (120 mg three times daily for 3 days) with those of acute volume expansion with normal saline on the plasma levels of atrial natriuretic factors (ANF), renin (PRA), angiotensin II (AII), aldosterone (ALD), and arginine-vasopressin (AVP) in healthy subjects. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of crossover design was employed, where each individual received two acute volume overloads 1 week apart, one during placebo and the other during treatment with verapamil. Verapamil reduced blood pressure (BP) and increased the plasma levels of ANF, PRA, AII, ALD, and AVP.