Association between Vitamin D Level and Blood Pressure Control in Patients with Hypertension in Family Medicine Clinics of King Abdulaziz National Guard Hospital, Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia in 2017

Objective This study aimed to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in patients with hypertension and investigate the association between vitamin D level and blood pressure control. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on patients with hypertension who visited family medicine clinics of King Abdulaziz National Guard Hospital, Al Ahsa, in 2017. Data were collected through self-administrated questionnaire that included both demographic and lifestyle factors with blood pressure and vitamin D level, which were measured through a medical chart review. Results Of the 246 patients who participated in the study, 51.6 % had uncontrolled hypertension. Current intake of vitamin D was noted in 56.9 % of patients with hypertension. A majority of patients with hypertension (78.6 %) had vitamin D insufficiency, whereas 10 % had vitamin D deficiency. There was a statistically significant mild negative correlation between systolic blood pressure (SBP) and vitamin D level (r=-0.14, p=0.04). Conclusion Vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency is particularly common among patients with hypertension, with mild negative correlation between vitamin D level and SBP. It is recommended to maintain optimal vitamin D level to control blood pressure.