The Length of Time Suffering from Hypertension has an Effect on Increasing Serum Creatinine Levels

Abstract

Hypertension in the elderly is a major risk factor for renal function decline. Elevated serum creatinine levels serve as an early indicator of kidney impairment. This study aimed to analyze the effect of the length of time suffering from hypertension on serum creatinine levels in elderly hypertensive patients at Tabanan Regional General Hospital. This analytical observational study employed a cross-sectional approach involving 43 elderly hypertensive patients selected through accidental sampling. Patients characteristics (age, gender, duration of hypertension, and medication adherence) were obtained through interviews, while serum creatinine levels were measured using the enzymatic colorimetry method. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests. There were significant differences in serum creatinine levels based on age, gender, duration of hypertension, and medication adherence (p<0.05). Patients aged 70 years and older, as well as those with hypertension lasting more than five years, demonstrated the highest serum creatinine levels, indicating reduced renal function associated with chronic hypertension. Furthermore, individuals who were non-adherent to antihypertensive medication showed significantly higher creatinine levels compared to those who adhered to their treatment regimen. These findings suggest that prolonged hypertension duration plays a crucial role in elevating serum creatinine levels, reflecting progressive renal impairment in the elderly population. Routine monitoring of serum creatinine in hypertensive elderly patients is therefore essential to enable early detection of kidney dysfunction and to support preventive management aimed to reducing the long-term complications of hypertension.