The impact of calcium supplementation on hypertension management in postmenopausal women with hypocalcemia.

Abstract

Background: Hypertension poses a significant health risk for postmenopausal women, with incidence rates notably higher than for men of the same age group. The decline in estrogen levels leads to several physiological changes, such as hypocalcemia, which may contribute to the development of hypertension. This study investigates the effects of calcium supplementation on blood pressure control in postmenopausal women with hypocalcemia.

Methods: We prospectively included 300 postmenopausal women diagnosed with both hypocalcemia and hypertension. The participants received calcium carbonate (1,000 mg/day) in two daily doses, in addition to their standard antihypertensive treatment. Blood pressure measurements and serum calcium levels were recorded at baseline and after 3 months. Patients were divided into two groups according to serum calcium level at 3 months: those with normalized calcium levels and those who continued hypocalcemia.

Results: Women with persistent hypocalcemia at follow-up were younger at the age of menopause (mean age 48.65 years) compared to those who achieved normocalcemia (mean age 49.44 years), P = 0.017. Those who had normocalcemia had a significant SBP, DBP, and more patients achieved target blood pressure ( 0.017, 0.029 & 0.012), respectively.

Conclusions: Use of calcium supplements to correct hypocalcemia in postmenopausal hypertensive women may help reduce blood pressure and achieve the target blood pressure.