ASSOCIATION BETWEEN SERUM URIC ACID LEVELS AND SEVERITY OF HYPERTENSION IN NEWLY DIAGNOSED HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is a major global health problem and a leading risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Emerging evidence suggests that elevated serum uric acid levels may contribute to the development and progression of hypertension through endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and activation of the renin–angiotensin system. However, the relationship between serum uric acid levels and hypertension severity remains under investigation.

Objective: To determine the association between serum uric acid levels and severity of hypertension in newly diagnosed hypertensive patients.

Study Design & Setting: Cross-sectional study conducted at the Department of Medicine of Shaikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore.

Methodology: A total of 120 newly diagnosed hypertensive patients aged 18–65 years were enrolled through non-probability consecutive sampling. Blood pressure was measured using standard procedures, and hypertension was classified into Grade 1, Grade 2, and Grade 3. Fasting venous blood samples were obtained for estimation of serum uric acid levels. Hyperuricemia was defined as serum uric acid >7.0 mg/dL in males and >6.0 mg/dL in females. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. Associations were assessed using Chi-square test and one-way ANOVA, with p≤0.05 considered significant.

Results: The mean age of participants was 49.8 ± 11.6 years, and 60.0% were male. Grade 1, Grade 2, and Grade 3 hypertension were observed in 41.7%, 35.0%, and 23.3% of patients, respectively. The overall mean serum uric acid level was 6.82 ± 1.54 mg/dL. Hyperuricemia was present in 48.3% of patients. Mean serum uric acid levels increased significantly across hypertension grades (5.91 ± 1.01, 6.88 ± 1.18, and 8.12 ± 1.47 mg/dL for Grades 1, 2, and 3, respectively; p<0.001). Hyperuricemia was significantly associated with hypertension severity (p<0.001).

Conclusion: Higher serum uric acid levels were significantly associated with greater severity of hypertension among newly diagnosed hypertensive patients, suggesting a potential role of serum uric acid as a marker of disease severity