Hypertension is a major cardiovascular illness worldwide with many underlying causes. The role of trace elements selenium, copper, and zinc in hypertension is uncertain with only a few studies reported. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of these trace elements in hypertension. Method: Data from 6683 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) participants from 2011 to 2016 were analyzed using Statistical Analytical System (SAS, version 9.4) software for the role

more »

... of trace elements in hypertension in age range 8 to 80 years, irrespective of the antihypertensive medication taken. Results: Findings showed a significant positive association between serum selenium levels and hypertension but not with serum copper and zinc. At optimal levels for transport and distribution, serum selenium levels of 120 µg/L or higher (reference level 70 -150 µg/L) were significantly associated with hypertension (OR = 1.56, 95% CI= 1.38 -1.76) after adjusting for confounding factors. At serum selenium greater than 150 µg/L, the association with hypertension strengthened (OR= 1.91, 95% CI = 1.54-2.36). Conclusion: A positive association was found between serum selenium and hypertension, irrespective of age or anti-hypertensive medications intake. These findings also suggest that the reference levels of serum selenium levels in healthy individuals may need to be re-determined. If validated, patients with hypertension may also need to be cautioned about selenium intake. Background Hypertension is a major cardiovascular illness, affecting more than a billion individuals worldwide and causing millions of deaths each year. Although researchers have studied micronutrients such as sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, and calcium and their effects on hypertension, there is not much evidence available on micronutrients such as 2000;101(5):E74. 12.