Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common inherited kidney
disease characterized by cystic kidneys and caused by mutations in the polycystic kidney
disease and other rare genes. It is associated with salt-sensitive hypertension, which
accounts for the majority of morbidity and mortality. About 70% of patients with ADPKD
develop hypertension, prior to the onset of kidney function decline. Early onset
hypertension, despite its treatment, is independently associated with rapid kidney function
decline. The investigators hypothesize that a high-sodium diet in patients with ADPKD is
required for the development of vascular stiffness, which precedes hypertension, and that
treatment with amiloride reverses this phenomenon.