Evaluating the Relationship between Plasma Chloride, Calcium and Interleukin-18 in Essential Hypertensive Subjects

Abstract

The mechanism underlying a persistent blood pressure elevation and its sequelae on the inflammatory cascades and electrolyte imbalance have not been fully elucidated. The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between plasma chloride (Cl), calcium (Ca) and interleukin-18 (IL-18) in essential hypertensive subjects in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti state, Nigeria. The electrolytes, Ca, and IL-18 were determined using various standard method. Data obtained for BMI, blood pressure, IL-18 and electrolyte levels in treated and untreated essential hypertensive subjects were BMI (Kg/m²) 24.53±3.62; 26.76 ± 2.07; SBP (mmHg) 152.12±10.06; 156.54 ± 4.37; DBP (mmHg) 94.99 ± 4.81; 102.33 ± 6.21; IL-18 (pg/ml); 350.63 ± 82.17; 641.73 ± 69.66; Na (mmol/L); 139.75± 3.23; 150.15 ± 5.09; K (mmol/L) 3.97± 0.27; 3.34±0.31; Ca (mg/dl) 9.34± 0.62; 8.59 ± 0.33; and Cl (mmol/L) 113.62± 1.77; 104.22 ± 2.44 respectively. The BMI, SBP, DBP, IL-18 and Na were significantly higher (p<0.05), while K, Ca and Cl were significantly (p<0.05) lower in treated and untreated hypertensives compared with control. BMI was non-significantly lower, while blood pressure (SBP and DBP) and IL-18 were significantly lower in treated hypertensive subjects compared to untreated hypertensive subjects (p<0.05). Na was significantly higher (p<0.05) while K, Cl and Ca were significantly lower (p<0.05) in treated hypertensives compared to control. In conclusion, electrolyte disturbance and inflammation are associated with essential hypertension which can be reversed through lifestyle and diet modifications and antihypertensive drugs. Measurement of plasma chloride is a more independent marker of treatment efficacy in treated hypertensives.