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Serum calcium levels in patients with essential hypertension and their first degree relatives

K Sudhakar1, M Sujatha, S Ramesh Babu

  • 1Institute of Genetics & Hospital for Genetic Diseases, Osmania University, Begumpet, 500 016 Hyderabad.

Indian Journal of Clinical Biochemistry : IJCB
|October 30, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Serum calcium levels were significantly decreased in Indian individuals with essential hypertension and their relatives. This finding suggests a potential link between low calcium and hypertension in this population.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Endocrinology
  • Human Physiology

Background:

  • Essential hypertension is a complex condition with multifactorial causes.
  • Calcium homeostasis is recognized as a potential factor in blood pressure regulation.
  • Previous research suggests a role for calcium in hypertension pathophysiology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate serum calcium levels in Indian individuals with essential hypertension.
  • To examine serum calcium levels in first-degree relatives of hypertensive patients.
  • To determine if decreased serum calcium is associated with essential hypertension in an Indian cohort.

Main Methods:

  • Serum calcium levels were measured in 117 patients with essential hypertension.
  • Serum calcium levels were measured in 77 first-degree relatives of hypertensive patients.
  • Serum calcium levels were compared between hypertensive subjects, their relatives, and 77 normotensive controls.

Main Results:

  • Serum calcium levels were significantly lower (p<0.01) in males with essential hypertension compared to controls.
  • Serum calcium levels were significantly lower (p<0.01) in females with essential hypertension compared to controls.
  • First-degree relatives of hypertensive individuals also exhibited significantly decreased serum calcium levels.

Conclusions:

  • This study indicates a significant association between decreased serum calcium levels and essential hypertension in the Indian population.
  • The findings suggest that low serum calcium may be a contributing factor or marker for essential hypertension.
  • This is the first study to report these findings in an Indian population, highlighting a potential area for further research and intervention.

Keywords:
First-degree relativesHypertensionSerum calciumvascular tone

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