The study was renewed in FY 1999 to examine in further detail the role of the two most potent hypertensive risk factors, namely dietary sodium and obesity. Randomized studies will be carried out in Nigeria, Jamaica, and Chicago to determine the relative sodium sensitivity of these populations and the factors which condition the blood pressure response. The renin-angiotensin system and renal sodium handling will be compared as causal mechanisms. In addition, body composition will be studied in a large sample of each of the three populations to determine the role of body fat versus lean body mass. Insulin and leptin will be examined and physical activity will be measured by stable isotopes to assess the role of a sedentary lifestyle as a contributor to the hypertension risk experienced by the obese. Existing cohorts will be followed to determine hypertension sequelae and to examine changes in blood pressure with age.