Metabolism of quantity elements and essential trace elements in patients with essential arterial hypertension in different ecological settings

Abstract

Aim. To study the specifics of lead, zinc, copper, magnesium and calcium metabolism in children and adolescents with essential arterial hypertension living in different ecological settings. Methods. 100 children and adolescents aged 13-17 years with arterial hypertension, living in «industrial» (52 patients) and «residential» (48 patients) areas were examined in cardiology ward. 33 healthy children and adolescents comparable by age and gender were included as healthy controls. According to 24-hour blood pressure monitoring, groups with stable, labile arterial hypertension and «white coat hypertension» were formed. The levels of elements in 24-hour urine and in serum were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results. In children and adolescents with stable arterial hypertension living in industrial areas, parameters of 24-hour blood pressure monitoring (mean 24-hour and mean daytime systolic blood pressure values, time of systolic hypertension, mean 24-hour and mean daytime blood pressure values) were higher compared to the same parameters in children from residential areas, the difference was statistically significant. The study of elements metabolism revealed increased lead exposure in children with essential arterial hypertension living in industrial areas, and misbalance of essential elements in those patients compared to the same parameters in children from residential areas. Conclusion. Results suggest increased exposure to arterial hypertension and marked misbalance of essential elements in children and adolescents with essential arterial hypertension living in industrial areas.