Evaluation of serum cortisol, lipid profile and electrolyte among hypertensive subject in Kano, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Hypertension has now become a global epidemic as a result of lifestyle changes and has become one of the chronic silent killer disease in Nigeria, Some studies
have estimated serum cortisol, lipid profile levels in a metropolitan city of Kano-Nigeria.
Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate between serum cortisol, lipid profile and electrolyte among hypertensive subject in Kano.
Methodology: Serum cortisol were analyzed using competitive ELISA method, serum glucose was analyzed using glucose oxidase method, serum lipids were analyzed using enzymatic colorimetric methods and some electrolyte (Na+and K+ ) analyzed using flame photometric method.
Results: The mean serum cortisol (22.16±11.01ug/mL) was higher in hypertensive patient with (p≤0.05) than in control (1.94± 2.38). There were no significant differences in serum
glucose, total cholesterol, LDL-C and triglyceride,{(4.48±2.35), (3.91±3.2) (2.31±0.62) and (1.39±0.71) for control respectively}, between patients and controls. Mean serum
HDL-C (1.02±0.23mmol/L) mmol/L was significantly lower in hypertensive patients than in control (1.09±0.24mmol/L) (p=0.016). Mean values of serum sodium (144.96±9.62 mmol/L) and potassium concentrations (4.32±0.70mmol/L) were higher in patients than the respective mean values in controls (136.27±5.84) and (3.86±0.36) mmol/L respectively all with (p≤0.001).
Conclusions: It could be concluded from the finding of the present study that serum cortisol, sodium and potassium concentrations were elevated with consequent advancing
in hypertension. There is a need for Routine evaluation of serum cortisol in addition with aldesterone for the investigation of hypertension. This could improve the management of this group of individuals.