Alterations in Renal Function Markers and Electrolyte Balance in Hypertensive Naval Personnel Attending Naval Medical Center Sapele, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Hypertension can influence renal filtration and electrolyte homeostasis, making assessment of renal function clinically relevant in occupational groups with cardiovascular risk. Objective: To evaluate renal function markers and electrolyte balance in hypertensive male naval personnel attending Naval Medical Center Sapele, Nigeria. Methods: This comparative cross-sectional study included 60 hypertensive and 60 age-matched normotensive male naval personnel. Serum creatinine and urea were assessed as renal function markers, while sodium, potassium, and chloride were evaluated as electrolytes. Group differences were examined using independent t-tests, and Pearson’s correlation analysis was used to assess relationships between renal function markers and electrolytes, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Hypertensive personnel had higher serum creatinine concentrations than normotensive controls (102.25 ± 5.57 vs. 93.06 ± 12.30 µmol/L; p = 0.001) and higher urea concentrations (5.03 ± 1.09 vs. 4.26 ± 1.15 mmol/L; p = 0.001). Serum sodium was also modestly higher in the hypertensive group (139.8 ± 3.2 vs. 138.5 ± 2.9 mmol/L; p = 0.023). Potassium and chloride did not differ significantly between groups. Within the hypertensive group, renal function markers were not significantly correlated with sodium, potassium, or chloride. Conclusion: Hypertensive naval personnel showed higher creatinine, urea, and sodium values than normotensive personnel. These findings support routine monitoring of renal function and electrolyte status in this population.