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Association of calcium concentration with pulse pressure in older women: data from a large population-based

L Mateus-Hamdan1, O Beauchet, Y Rolland

  • 1C. Annweiler, MD, PhD, Department of Neuroscience, Division of Geriatric Medicine, Angers University Hospital, 49933 Angers Cedex 9, France; E-mail: CeAnnweiler@chu-angers.fr; Phone: ++33 2 41 35 54 86; Fax: ++33 2 41 35 48 94.

The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging
|March 15, 2014
PubMed

Insights

High serum calcium levels are linked to increased pulse pressure in older women, suggesting a potential target for preventing hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Further research into calcium regulation may offer new therapeutic strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Cardiology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • High arterial pulse pressure is a significant predictor of cardiovascular events.
  • Mineral metabolism plays a role in blood pressure regulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between serum calcium, parathyroid hormone, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations and pulse pressure in older adults.
  • To identify which mineral metabolism variable is most strongly associated with pulse pressure.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study at the baseline of the EPIDOS study in five French cities.
  • Inclusion of 610 community-dwelling older women (mean age 80.2 years) not using antihypertensive drugs.
  • Measurements included serum calcium, parathyroid hormone, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and pulse pressure, with adjustments for numerous potential confounders.

Main Results:

  • Participants with hypertension (pulse pressure >50mmHg) exhibited higher serum calcium concentrations compared to normotensive individuals (P=0.040).
  • No significant differences were found in parathyroid hormone or 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels between groups.
  • Multiple logistic regression revealed a significant independent positive association between serum calcium and pulse pressure (adjusted OR=1.19, P=0.015).

Conclusions:

  • Increased serum calcium concentration is independently associated with high pulse pressure in older women, potentially mediated by increased arterial stiffness.
  • Interventions targeting normalization of serum calcium levels may be a promising strategy for preventing hypertension and cardiovascular risk in the elderly.
Abstract

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