Serum Electrolytes And Blood Pressure Of Apparently Healthy Nigerians

Abstract

The serum electrolytes and blood pressures of apparently healthy Nigerians were studied. A total of 121 subjects took part in the study. The serum electrolytes (Na+, K+, CL-, HCO3 -) and blood pressure were measured by standard methods. The mean(±SD) serum sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate concentrations were 142.15±15.16, 5.17±1.04, 98.50±11.22 and 26.55±8.17 mEq/L respectively while the mean (±SD) systolic and diastolic blood pressure were 117.67±11.75 and 73.21±9.64 mm/Hg respectively. The mean blood pressure and serum concentrations of the electrolytes generally fall within the reference range though some were outside the normal range.
The mean serum level of potassium was found to be higher than results obtained from other regions of the country while the mean sodium and chloride ions concentrations were lower than the results obtained from Zaria, northern Nigeria. It is likely that both geographical locations and dietary habits among Nigerians might influence these differences. The study suggests that in interpreting results of electrolytes and blood pressure for clinical uses, both geographic (climatic) conditions and dietary factors should be considered.