Observations on blood pressure and renin in three racial groups in Suriname

Describes epidemiological blood pressure and plasma renin studies among Negroes, East-indians and Javanese in Suriname. Blood pressure was studied among 778 volunteers by measuring blood pressure, weight and height, and recording sex and age. Negroes appeared to have the highest blood pressures, which also differed for the sexes. With increasing age, the average blood pressure rose and its variation increased. Under the age of 40, blood pressure and weight were positively related and therefore age and weight are being discussed as possible determinant factors for the blood pressure level. Salt intake proved a necessary factor in the creation of hypertension. Renin was studied among 224 subjects from the hypertension study population. Biochemical data, such as haemoglobin, were measured and other data, such as the quetelet index, were calculated. It is suggested that genetic factors could partly determine the low plasma renin levels among Negroes, as well as their high blood pressure

Het medisch beroep / The medical profession

The medical practice and profession are discussed, including the key profession, current problems and present situation. Changes in profession ideology, profession structure and social context are also discussed. Finally, it is concluded that the medical profession is in a phase where innovation is neccessary. This was typified to be a great challenge