Glucocorticoids-Induced Hypertension: The Prevalence and Risk Factors

Introduction: Despite benefits in the treatment of most autoimmune and inflammatory
diseases, glucocorticoids (GCs) have proved side effects including hypertension, diabetes,
osteoporosis and lipid disorders. Determining the risk factors for hypertension can facilitate
the identification of high-risk individuals and lead to effective control of the side effects. The
present study aimed to determine the risk factors for hypertension in individuals receiving
high-dose GCs.
Methods: This prospective study recruited 140 adults (age>18 years) requiring
prednisolone or equivalent more than 30mg daily for at least three months. The
participants’ blood pressure was monitored every month and correlations between the
incidence of hypertension and variables such as serum calcium levels, weight, underlying
diseases, body mass index (BMI), and folic acid use were investigated by repeated
measure analysis.
Results: While none of the subjects were hypertensive at baseline, 55 patients (39.28%)
developed hypertension during the course of the study. Baseline weight and BMI,
cumulative GC dose, family history of hypertension, and age were significantly higher in
hypertensive patients.
Conclusion: High BMI, male gender, elderly, family history of hypertension may have
impact on development of hypertension in patients taking GCs.