ABSTRACT

Aim: To determine the platelet cytosolic free calcium levels among normotensive and hypertensive Individuals.

Method: A cross-sectional research design was used in the study and a total of 79 participants were included. Fifty-three (53) hypertensive individuals from the out-patient department and twenty-six (26) normotensive individuals were recruited for the study. Whole blood sample were collected using citrated tubes and platelet poor and platelet rich plasma were separated through centrifugation. Platelets were subjected to repeated freeze-thawing to lyse and release the cytosolic calcium. Ortho-cresolpthalein complexone colorimetric method was used to measure the levels of platelet cytosolic free calcium from the platelet lysate.  Data was analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, one-way ANOVA and Pearson’s r correlation.

Results: The platelet cytosolic free calcium levels in the four classification of hypertension showed a significant difference having an F-value of 145.869 and p-value of 0.000. The correlation coefficient for systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was 0.822 and 0.716 respectively with a p-value of 0.000. Based on the data gathered, the study revealed a significant positive correlation between platelet cytosolic free calcium levels and the systolic and diastolic blood pressures.

Conclusion: Determination of cytosolic free calcium levels may be suitable for assessing the level of blood pressure of  patients with hypertension

Keywords: Cytosolic free calcium, hypertension, platelet,