Assessment of Micronutrients and Lipid Status of Hypertensive Patients, Receiving Treatment at Adeoyo State Hospital, Oyo State.

Abstract

Hypertension is of great public health concern locally and internationally, contributing significantly to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Although, pharmacological treatments are widely used, micronutrient intake and lipid status remain underexplored factors influencing blood pressure control in the Nigerian context. This study assessed the micronutrients and lipid status of hypertensive patients attending Adeoyo State Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, and explored their associations with blood pressure control. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 340 hypertensive patients recruited from the hospital’s hypertension clinic. Structured questionnaires captured socio-demographic and dietary information, while anthropometric and clinical measurements (BMI, blood pressure) were recorded. Venous blood samples were analyzed for serum micronutrients using ion selective electrode (ISE) machine and lipid profiles using standard enzymatic methods. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics at a 5% significance level. Hypertensive patients were significantly older (57.3 ± 9.8 years) and had higher BMI (28.6 ± 4.9 kg/m²) compared with non-hypertensive controls (p < 0 .001). The mean serum levels of sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium were lower in hypertensive patients but not statistically significant (p > 0.05). However, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides were significantly higher, while HDL cholesterol was significantly lower among hypertensive participants (p < 0.001). Lipid parameters showed significant correlations with blood pressure, whereas micronutrient levels did not. Dyslipidemia, rather than micronutrient imbalance, was the major biochemical disturbance associated with hypertension in this population. Integrating lipid management and lifestyle modification into hypertension care is essential for effective prevention of cardiovascular complications.