Estimation of Different forms of Serum Calcium and Mg in Iraqi Patients with Primary Hypertension

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is a major health problem in adults, and contributesto cardiovascular disease. Malnutrition or deficiency in different nutrients found to be a risk factor for pathogenesis of essential hypertension. No clear association between calcium or magnesium with blood pressure level could be identified. In this work serum total, ionized, albumin corrected calcium and total and ionized Mg in primary hypertension patients were measured and compared with healthy control.

Patients and Methods: Seventy-three uncomplicated, untreated, hypertensive, but otherwise have no other systemic diseases males, ranging in age from (26–55) years old, were entered into the study. Their blood pressure values were more than 95/140 mm Hg (seated posture). Control group consists of thirty healthy males with normal blood pressure and their age range is between (22-46) years old. Serum calcium and serum albumin were measured colorimetrically using ready for use kits.

Results: There is a significant decrease (p<0.05) in S.Total Ca, S.Ionized Ca, and albumin-corrected Ca in hypertensive group in comparing with control group. No significant change noticed in serum total and ionized magnesium, and in different ratios between the groups.

Conclusion: Hypertensive patients have significantly lower serum total calcium and Mg than control group. Calcium supplements may be required as adjuvant treatment in addition to decrease NaCl in the diet to reduce excretion of calcium in urine. In this work a new ratio (S.albumin/ S.calcium) is introduced as a useful marker for calcium state. Further studies are required for other biochemical parameters in larger patients sample size.