Effects of elements in human blood pressure control.

This review enumerates and discusses the elements involved in the control of human blood pressure via a historical evolutionary form. The older and most recent element literature presentations were researched using MEDLINE and a manual review of documents cited. Independent data extraction and cross-referencing was performed. Of the 28 known elements that can influence blood pressure, 15 were found to be involved in human blood pressure regulation. The elements were divided into four groups: electrolyte, composed of sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium; metal, which included zinc, copper, and iron; toxic, made up of lead, mercury, cadmium, barium, thallium, arsenic; miscellaneous (lithium and selenium). Evolutionary historical data, possible mechanisms of actions, and interactions between elements that have been shown to influence blood pressure are discussed. Controversy exists over the therapeutic use of elements to alter blood pressure but is absent in the case of the toxic group where preventive control is a proven public health matter. The significance of these 15 elements in the regulation of human blood pressure has been established and ongoing studies will continue to reinforce their influence and importance.