Authors
Title
Abstract
Hypertension is one of the most commonly occurring cardiovascular diseases. Proper nutrition is one of the major elements of non-pharmacological prevention and treatment of high blood pressure. Optimal intake of calcium and magnesium plays an important role in preventing and treating hypertension. The objective of this study was to assess the intake of calcium and magnesium and the content thereof in hair of the patients with primary hypertension. The study included 30 patients with primary hypertension and 29 healthy persons. The content of calcium and magnesium in the hair samples was determined applying a method of atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) and using a Zeiss AAS-3 apparatus. The dietary intake of the components analysed was assayed on the basis of a three times performed, 24 h interview on dietary intake. The content of calcium and magnesium in the daily diets was determined on the basis of computer databases developed using a ‘Dietetyk’ (Nutritionist) software. A higher Ca content was found in the hair of patients with hypertension than in the hair of healthy persons. Moreover, a higher content of Mg was determined in the hair of women in the study group of patients than in the hair of women with a regular blood pressure. The assessment of daily Ca and Mg intake proved that the supply of those elements through diet was insufficient. It was found that the intake of calcium and magnesium by both the women and men with hypertension was lower compared to the healthy persons. However, no significant correlations were found between the supply of the minerals analyzed and the content thereof in the hair of the polled.
Keywords
hypertension, hair, calcium, magnesium, dietary intake