Calcium channel blocker use and serum ferritin in adults with hypertension

Iron overload cardiomyopathy is becoming more prevalent, and early recognition and intervention may alter outcomes. Calcium channels are key transporters of iron under iron-overloaded conditions, and potentially represent a new therapeutic target for iron overload. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between Calcium channel blocker (CCB) use and serum ferritin among adults with diagnosed hypertension. We analyzed the nationally representative NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) 1999–2002 for adults ≥40?years with diagnosed hypertension. The association between CCBs and serum ferritin was assessed using a t-test and adjusted multiple regressions.The study population included 2143 individuals (representing 37.4 million individuals, 42.0?% males). 12.6?% of the population reported taking CCBs in the last month. Individuals taking CCBs had lower mean serum ferritin (129.3?ng/mL versus 154.5?ng/mL, p?=?0.02). After adjusting for age, sex, menopause and hysterectomy status for women, race/ethnicity, and C-reactive protein, mean serum ferritin for individuals taking CCBs was 26.3?ng/mL lower than for those not taking CCBs (p?=?0.01). In an adjusted regression, individuals who took CCBs and had a daily vitamin C intake of ≥500?mg had a mean serum ferritin that was 60.1?ng/mL lower than people not taking CCBs and with daily vitamin C?