Biochemical Profiles in Hypertensive Patients Attending Adeoyo Teaching Hospital, Ibadan: Insights for Improved Management Strategies

Abstract

Introduction: A leading cause of cardiovascular disorders and metabolic dysregulation, hypertension continues to pose a serious threat to global health. Urbanization, dietary changes, and sedentary lifestyles are some of the factors contributing to the rising prevalence of hypertension in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria. Understanding the biochemical profiles of hypertensive people is critical for devising successful management regimens, particularly in resource-limited situations. Aim/Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the biochemical analytes of hypertension patients at Adeoyo Teaching Hospital in Ibadan, Nigeria, with those of non-hypertensive controls. By examining these profiles, the research aims to clarify metabolic trends and lay the groundwork for better control of hypertension. Methods: Fifty (50) hypertension patients and fifty (50) non-hypertensive controls, matched by age and sex, participated in a cross-sectional comparative study. Biochemical indicators such as electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate), fasting glucose, lipid profiles (triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL, and LDL), albumin, creatinine, and total protein were measured in blood samples. IBM SPSS version 26 was used to analyze the data, and t-tests, Pearson's correlation, and descriptive statistics were used. Results: In comparison to controls, hypertensive patients had significantly lower sodium levels (138.32 ± 2.59 mmol/L, p < 0.0001), significantly higher fasting glucose (101.96 ± 27.51 mg/dL, p < 0.0001), triglycerides (125.44 ± 21.96 mg/dL, p < 0.0001), and total cholesterol (225.04 ± 40.39 mg/dL, p = 0.0358). Positive correlations between triglycerides and total cholesterol (r = 0.54, p = 0.0001) and between triglycerides and fasting glucose (r = 0.30, p = 0.0365) were found by correlation analysis, indicating linked metabolic changes. Conclusion: The study's findings emphasize the metabolic complexity of hypertension and call for multidisciplinary approaches to patient management, community-based dietary interventions, and routine biochemical monitoring. It also emphasizes the significance of thorough biochemical profiling in hypertensive care.