ABSTRACT
Introduction: Calcium is a key factor in regulatingcardiovascular function and alteration in calcium metabolismand has been shown to be associated with human hypertension.Serum calcium levels are found to be significantly lowered inhypertensives. The aim of the study was to estimate total andcorrected serum calcium levels in patients with newly detectedhypertension and determine its correlation with systolic anddiastolic blood pressures.Material and methods: This was a hospital based crosssectional study in which newly detected patients with essentialhypertension were enrolled. Corrected Serum calcium levelswere estimated in all patients at the time of the study. Calciumlevels were correlated with systolic and diastolic pressure,age, gender, family history of hypertension, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, alcohol intake and BMI.Results: A total of 100 patients were studied. 71% were over60 years. 51% were males. Family history of hypertensionwas present in 54%. 38% were smokers and 24% consumedalcohol. 38% had a BMI of 25 and above. 60% had a sedentarylife style. Corrected serum calcium levels were decreasedin 65% of patients with hypertension. Significant negativecorrelation was found between corrected serum calcium levelsand systolic and diastolic blood pressures.Conclusions: Corrected serum calcium levels were reduced inpatients with essential hypertension and significant negativecorrelation was seen between corrected serum calcium levelsand systolic and diastolic blood pressures.