Abstract
The mechanisms behind persistent high blood pressure and its effects on renal function and electrolyte balance are not yet fully understood. The present study aimed to identify electrolyte imbalances in hypertensive patients and to determine their association with renal function and vitamin D levels. For this purpose, 155 subjects were recruited for the study, including 83 hypertensive subjects and 72 healthy normotensive subjects matched for sex and age as controls. Demographic data were collected using a questionnaire, and anthropometric parameters were measured using standard procedures. Sodium and potassium levels were determined using an ion selective electrolyte analyzer, while calcium, magnesium and phosphorus levels were measured using spectrophotometry. Uric acid, creatinine and urea levels were analyzed using a semi-auto chemistry analyzer, and vitamin D levels were assessed using ELISA. The results obtained revealed that body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and creatinine, urea, uric acid, magnesium and sodium levels were significantly higher in the hypertensive subjects compared with the healthy controls (P<0.05); however, the vitamin D, calcium, potassium and phosphate levels were significantly lower in the hypertensive subjects compared to the healthy controls (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in all parameters studied as regards age and sex (P>0.05). On the whole, the present study demonstrates that an electrolyte imbalance, renal dysfunction and vitamin D deficiency are observed in hypertensive subjects. These findings emphasize the importance of assessing and monitoring these biochemical markers as they could improve prognosis, aid in early diagnosis, and assist in determining the optimal level of therapeutic interventions.