POMC and Hypertension: Positive correlations were observed between basal or post-DCVT ALD levels and the duration (years) of hypertension (r = 0.363, p = 0.01 and r = 0.370, p = 0.01, respectively), as well as the ALD response (30 min) to ACTH stimulation (r = 0.747, p < 0.0001 and r = 0.387, p = 0.01, respectively).