Determining correlation between changes in blood pressure and vitamin D levels: Analyzing influencing factors in hypertensive adults at Family Medicine Clinics.

Abstract

Background: Dietary sodium and renin-angiotensin system activity are pivotal in causing primary hypertension. Vitamin D levels inversely relate to the renin-angiotensin system. Our study investigates the association between vitamin D fluctuations and blood pressure control in hypertensive patients undergoing general health checkups.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study enrolled participants with essential hypertension from family medicine clinics at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, coming for a general health checkup. Data including demographics, Vitamin D levels, blood pressure, factors associated with hypertension, and vitamin D deficiency were noted and analyzed using SPSS 20. Post-stratification chi-square test was applied to check for the association between different categorical variables.

Results: In a study of 203 hypertensive subjects (mean age: 58.07 ± 11 years, 56.2% male, 63.5% Urdu speaking), 41.4% were smokers, and 63.1% had other comorbidities along with hypertension. Significant vitamin D deficiency was observed in 81.8%, with 55.7% exhibiting uncontrolled blood pressure. Vitamin D levels were significantly associated with blood pressure changes, sun exposure, gender, physical activity, and salt restriction. Smoking and obesity are also correlated with blood pressure changes.

Conclusion: Pakistan faces significant hypertension and vitamin D deficiency burdens. Our study found a potential link between varying vitamin D levels and blood pressure fluctuations in hypertensive patients, warranting further research.