Patterns of Iron Biomarkers among Hypertensive Individuals in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Aims: This research aims to evaluate the patterns of iron biomarkers among hypertensive subjects in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Study Design: The investigation is a cross-sectional comparative study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Internal Medicine (Cardiology Unit), Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital (NDUTH) in Okolobiri Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria, between July 2023 and December 2023. Methodology: The research involved 246 consenting participants: 74 normotensive individuals and 172 hypertensive patients. Serum iron, ferritin, transferrin, and total iron-binding capacity were measured using spectrophotometric method. Results: A significant increase in serum ferritin level was observed among female hypertensive subjects compared to their normotensive counterparts (p<0.05).  Additionally, when the age groups were matched, the hypertensive group exhibited significantly elevated serum ferritin levels compared to the normotensive controls (p<0.05). We found increased transferrin levels in hypertensive male individuals in the present study (p<0.05). Also, a significant transferrin increase was observed across the age groups of hypertensive individuals compared to the control group (p<0.05). Conclusion: The above findings suggest that hypertensive patients are prone to abnormal iron metabolism. The notable elevation in certain iron status markers underscores the importance of including iron biomarker assessments as part of the clinical evaluation in hypertensive individuals