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Serum calcium and blood pressure
1Department of Public Health & Primary Care, Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine, London, UK.
Journal of Human Hypertension
|December 1, 1991
Summary
Serum calcium shows a weak link to blood pressure in men, but this association disappears when considering other blood factors like albumin, globulins, and hematocrit. The study found no independent relationship between calcium levels and blood pressure.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cardiovascular Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Previous studies suggest a link between serum calcium and blood pressure.
- Understanding this association is crucial for cardiovascular health research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between serum calcium and blood pressure in healthy middle-aged British men.
- To determine if this association is independent of other blood constituents.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from 7,735 healthy middle-aged British men (The British Regional Heart Study).
- Statistical adjustment for age, serum albumin, serum globulins, and hematocrit.
- Examination of 20 biochemical and haematological factors for confounding effects.
Main Results:
- A small but significant positive correlation was found between serum calcium and both systolic and diastolic blood pressure after adjusting for age.
- The association diminished after adjusting for serum albumin but remained significant.
- The association disappeared after further adjustment for serum globulins and hematocrit.
Conclusions:
- Serum calcium and blood pressure association is mediated by serum albumin, globulins, and hematocrit.
- There is no independent relationship between serum calcium and blood pressure in this cohort.
- These findings suggest that calcium's effect on blood pressure may be indirect and influenced by other factors.