Abstract
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a major health challenge and more women than men are affected by the condition. Complications as a result of this condition often lead to disabilities and premature death. The objective of this study was to evaluate creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) activity in uncomplicated hypertension and to know whether sex differences exist in the activity of the enzyme. Serum creatine kinase-MB isoenzyme activity, troponin I, and lipid profile were evaluated in 140 male and 100 female Nigerians with hypertension. The control group was comprised of 100 (50 males and 50 females) normotensive subjects. Measured parameters were assayed using Selectra Pros chemistry analyzer. The means were compared between males and females using Students’t-test. The mean CK-MB activity of the female hypertensive subjects was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than the males. Similarly, the mean cardiac troponin I (cTnI) of the female hypertensive subjects was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than the males. Conversely, the mean CK-MB activity of the female normotensive subjects was significantly lower (p < 0.001) than the male counterparts. There was no difference in the levels of cTnI between male and female normotensive subjects. Serum CK-MB activity was higher in female than male hypertensive subjects. In the light of these results, cardiac markers should be routinely done in the evaluation of hypertensive subjects and sex-specific consideration may be recognized in the management of these patients.
Highlights
Hypertension in Nigeria has emerged as a major health problem with enormous socioeconomic importance
There was no difference in the levels of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) between male and female normotensive subjects
In most countries of sub-Saharan Africa, the prevalence of hypertension was reported to be higher in males than females [5,6,7,8,9,10], but the reverse is the case in Nigeria where the prevalence is higher among females than males [11]
Summary
Hypertension in Nigeria has emerged as a major health problem with enormous socioeconomic importance. It is the commonest single risk factor for cardiovascular related events and deaths [1], which includes stroke, congestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and coronary artery disease [2]. Studies have shown that hypertension was the strongest as well as an emerging risk factor for heart failure and stroke in sub-Saharan Africa [12]. Little or no attention has been paid to laboratory assessment of hypertensive subjects and most of the required biomarkers of disease severity and progression are not routinely available in most health facilities in Nigeria.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call