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Calcium channel blocker use and serum ferritin in adults with hypertension
Arch G Mainous1, Eugene D Weinberg, Vanessa A Diaz
1Department of Family Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 295 Calhoun St., Charleston, SC 29425, USA. mainouag@musc.edu
Insights
Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) were associated with lower serum ferritin levels in adults with hypertension. This suggests CCBs may offer a novel therapeutic approach for managing iron overload conditions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Iron overload cardiomyopathy is a growing concern with potential for improved outcomes through early intervention.
- Calcium channels play a crucial role in iron transport during iron overload, presenting a potential therapeutic target.
- Hypertension is a common comorbidity that may influence iron metabolism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between calcium channel blocker (CCB) use and serum ferritin levels in adults diagnosed with hypertension.
- To explore CCBs as a potential non-traditional chelating agent for iron overload.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2002 data.
- Inclusion of adults aged 40 years and older with diagnosed hypertension.
- Statistical assessment using t-tests and adjusted multiple regressions to evaluate CCB association with serum ferritin.
Main Results:
- Individuals using CCBs exhibited significantly lower mean serum ferritin levels compared to non-users (129.3 ng/mL vs. 154.5 ng/mL, p=0.02).
- After adjustments, CCB use was linked to a 26.3 ng/mL reduction in mean serum ferritin (p=0.01).
- Combined CCB use and high vitamin C intake (≥500 mg/day) showed the most significant reduction in serum ferritin (60.1 ng/mL lower, p<0.001).
Conclusions:
- The study identified an association between CCB use and reduced serum ferritin levels in hypertensive adults.
- CCBs may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for managing iron overload, potentially including iron overload cardiomyopathy.
- Further research is warranted to confirm the efficacy of CCBs as chelating agents in iron overload conditions.
Abstract:
Iron overload cardiomyopathy is becoming more prevalent, and early recognition and intervention may alter outcomes. Calcium channels are key transporters of iron under iron-overloaded conditions, and potentially represent a new therapeutic target for iron overload. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between Calcium channel blocker (CCB) use and serum ferritin among adults with diagnosed hypertension. We analyzed the nationally representative NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) 1999-2002 for adults ≥40 years with diagnosed hypertension. The association between CCBs and serum ferritin was assessed using a t-test and adjusted multiple regressions.The study population included 2143 individuals (representing 37.4 million individuals, 42.0 % males). 12.6 % of the population reported taking CCBs in the last month. Individuals taking CCBs had lower mean serum ferritin (129.3 ng/mL versus 154.5 ng/mL, p = 0.02). After adjusting for age, sex, menopause and hysterectomy status for women, race/ethnicity, and C-reactive protein, mean serum ferritin for individuals taking CCBs was 26.3 ng/mL lower than for those not taking CCBs (p = 0.01). In an adjusted regression, individuals who took CCBs and had a daily vitamin C intake of ≥500 mg had a mean serum ferritin that was 60.1 ng/mL lower than people not taking CCBs and with daily vitamin C < 500 mg (p < 0.001). In conclusion, this study found an association between use of CCBs and lower serum ferritin levels in individuals with hypertension. Further studies are needed to assess the possible use of CCBs as non-traditional chelating agents for treatment of iron overload cardiomyopathy.
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