Endocrine Abstracts

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is one of the common endocrine conditions and is frequently associated with hypertension and increased cardiovascular mortality but this association is not well recognised. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of parathyroidectomy on blood pressure. The data of 112 patients who attended our out patients clinic over the period of 12 months, with the confirmed diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism was evaluated. Average age was 69 years (range 30 to 89) with 88 female and 22 male patients. Out of 112 patients 66 (59%) had a diagnosis of essential hypertension and were treated with one or more anti hypertensive medications. Out of 66 patients with hypertension, 30 underwent parathyroidectomy, 17 are being monitored, 14 awaiting surgery, 2 not fit for surgery, 2 passed away and 1 declined. Out of 30 patients who underwent parathyroidectomy, mean systolic blood pressure of 20 patients improved from 154 to 132.5 mmHG (range 2 to 39) and mean diastolic blood pressure of 18 patients improved from 83 to 74 mmHg (range 1 to 23) after the surgery. Although it is a retrospective evaluation with a small study population and a randomised controlled study with a large study sample is required, definitive association of primary hyperparathyroidism with hypertension and a reduction in blood pressure following parathyroidectomy is demonstrated. So we recommend hypertension to be considered as one of the criteria to consider surgery for patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.