Distribution of potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sodium levels in biological samples of Pakistani hypertensive patients and control subjects.

BACKGROUND

The abnormal metabolism of metal ions plays an important role in health and disease conditions, and studies about them have been attracting significant interest. The aim of our study was to assess the essential minerals (calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), and sodium (Na)) in biological samples (scalp hair, blood, urine) of 387 hypertensive males and females, age 30-60 years, in an urban population together with 439 non-hypertensive subjects of same age group and residential areas.

METHODS

The element concentrations were measured by means of an atomic absorption spectrophotometer after microwave-induced acid digestion. The validity and accuracy was checked by conventional wet acid digestion method and using certified reference materials. The overall recoveries of all elements were found in the range of 99.1-99.9% of certified values.

RESULTS

The results indicated significantly lower levels of Ca, Mg, and K in the biological samples (blood and scalp hair) of hypertensive patients, when compared to controls of both genders. The level of Na was found to be high in biological samples of hypertensive patients as compared to controls.

CONCLUSIONS

The deficiency of Ca, Mg, and K may be synergistic with risk factors associated with hypertension. These data present guidance to clinicians and other professionals who will be investigating the deficiency of essential micronutrients in biological samples (scalp hair and blood) of hypertensive patients.