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Serum calcium levels and hypertension among U.S. adults

Charumathi Sabanayagam1, Anoop Shankar

  • 1Department of Community Medicine, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV 26506-9190, USA.

Journal of Clinical Hypertension (Greenwich, Conn.)
|October 7, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Higher serum total calcium levels are linked to hypertension in US adults. This association between elevated calcium and high blood pressure remained significant even after accounting for other health factors.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Health
  • Endocrinology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of mortality.
  • Hypertension is a major risk factor for CVD.
  • The relationship between serum calcium levels and hypertension requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the association between serum calcium levels and hypertension in a representative sample of U.S. adults.
  • To determine if serum total calcium or ionized calcium is associated with hypertension.
  • To assess the independence of this association from other potential confounders.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study utilizing data from 12,405 participants (aged 20+ years) in the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
  • Serum total and ionized calcium levels were analyzed in quartiles.
  • Hypertension was defined as antihypertensive medication use or blood pressure ≥140/90 mm Hg.

Main Results:

  • Elevated serum total calcium levels showed a positive association with hypertension (OR 1.49; 95% CI 1.15-1.93 for the highest quartile vs. lowest).
  • This association was independent of C-reactive protein, estimated glomerular filtration rate, serum albumin, 25(OH)D, and phosphorous.
  • Serum ionized calcium levels were not significantly associated with hypertension.

Conclusions:

  • Higher serum total calcium levels are positively associated with hypertension in U.S. adults.
  • The findings suggest a potential role for total serum calcium in hypertension risk.
  • Further research is warranted to explore the clinical implications of this association.

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