Macro- and microelements content in hair of subjects with arterial hypertension

Abstract

Background Disturbances in mineral content of the organism may significantly contribute to the development of arterial hypertension. The aim of the study was to determine macro- and microelements content in hair of subjects with essential arterial hypertension.
Material and methods The study involved 284 subjects, aged 33–70 years, who were allotted into 2 groups: I — 142 patients with arterial hypertension, II — 142 clinically healthy subjects (controls). Age and sex ratio were similar in the examined groups. Those subjected to the study were not administered any drugs at least 3 months prior to the determination of macro- and microelements. Determinations of trace elements Ca, P, Na, K, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu, Sr, Ni, Mo, Al, Cd, Pb, Mn, Se, Cr, Co, Li, V, B, Ba, Hg were performed with atomic emission spectrometer with plasmic excitation (ICP MS Philips PU 7000).
Results In group I in comparison to group II (control) higher values of Mn, Al, Cd, Pb, Hg were observed, as well as higher Pb/Se, Cd/Se, Al/Se ratio; but lower values of P, Zn and lower Ca/Pb, Ca/Cd, Ca/Al, Zn/Pb, Zn/Cd, Zn/Al, Fe/Mn, Zn/Mn ratio.
Conclusions 1. Toxic metals: Pb, Cd, Al, Hg may be one of the pathogenic factors of arterial hypertension. 2. Deficit of antioxidative trace elements may point to the necessity of Zn and Se supplementation in hypertensive patients.