A Study on Serum Sodium and Potassium Levels in Newly Diagnosed Primary Hypertension

Primary hypertension comprises of more than 90% of hypertension. Many studies have shown that a positive correlation between serum sodium and blood pressure and a negative correlation between blood pressure and serum potassium. The objective is to study the serum levels of sodium and potassium and correlate them with blood pressure. The study was conducted in medical wards at Mamata general hospital during October 2012 – October 2013 and sample of 100 (50 cases +50 controls) patients with primary hypertension and age more than 20years were included and investigations like serum electrolytes, fasting blood sugars were sent. Serum sodium was higher and serum potassium was lower in hypertensive group respectively than in the control group and mean and standard deviation were 146.9+4.58 and 3.77+ 0.36 respectively in hypertensive group. Serum sodium was significantly more among hypertensive group and correlated positively with blood pressure unlike serum potassium which was lower and correlated negatively with blood pressure.