Lower Plasma Renin Activity in Essential Hypertension

Plasma renin activity is lower than normal in patients with

(a) hemorrhagic shock

(B) essential hypertension

(C) congestive heart failure

(d) hypertension caused by aortic constriction above the renal arteries

Plasma renin activity is lower than normal in patients with:

(B) essential hypertension

In essential hypertension, particularly in cases where there is a high blood pressure without secondary causes, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) may be downregulated, leading to lower plasma renin activity.

In contrast:

• (A) hemorrhagic shock typically leads to increased renin activity due to decreased renal perfusion.
• (C) congestive heart failure often results in increased renin activity as the body attempts to compensate for reduced cardiac output.
• (D) hypertension caused by aortic constriction above the renal arteries usually leads to increased renin activity due to perceived low blood flow to the kidneys.

Thus, the correct answer is (B) essential hypertension.