Abstract: The present invention provides a systematic approach that allows health care providers (e.g., physicians) to use erythrocyte potassium measurements as an indicator of hypertension or risk of developing hypertension. In particular, the present invention provides systems and methods for treating conditions involving aberrant erythrocyte potassium levels (e.g., hypertension), preventing the onset of conditions involving aberrant erythrocyte potassium levels, identifying individuals at risk for developing hypertension, and evaluating the effectiveness of treatments for conditions involving aberrant erythrocyte potassium levels (e.g., hypertension).

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of at least one (a) an effective amount of at least one 3,5-diamino-6-chloro-N-(diaminomethylene) pyrazinecarboxamide monohydrochloride, dihydrate derivative comprising pirazinoylguanidine, benzamil, dichlorobenzamil, 5-(N,N-dimethyl)-Amiloride, 5-(N-ethyl-N-isopropyl)-Amiloride, (N,N-hexamethylene)-Amiloride, 5-(N-methyl-N-isobutyl)-Amiloride, and Amiloride citrate; (b) an effective amount of a calcium increasing agent; and (c) a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. Methods are provided for treating a cardiovascular disease (CVD) in a patient diagnosed as having CVD or at risk for developing CVD, the method comprising administering to a subject in need of such treatment a therapeutically effective amount of at least one of 3,5-diamino-6-chloro-N-(diaminomethylene) pyrazinecarboxamide monohydrochloride, dihydrate and/or a derivative thereof.