Haematological Profiles and Acute Phase Reactants among Individuals with Hypertension in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Background: Hypertension or high blood pressure affects numerous individuals worldwide and is associated with cardiovascular issues. Recent studies have examined the connection between haematological parameters and hypertension.

Aim: This study was aimed at assessing the haematological profiles and acute phase reactants of hypertensive individuals in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Methods: A case control study was conducted among 160 hypertensives and 100 age-matched normotensives in Port Harcourt. Ten milliliters (10mls) of venous blood was collected aseptically by venipuncture technique from the subjects into vacutainer tubes. Three milliliters (3mls) was dispensed into EDTA tubes for full blood count using haematological autoanalyser, Sysmex Kx-21N and ESR using Westergren method while 4mls was dispensed into sodium citrate tubes for the determination of fibrinogen levels and 3mls into plain tubes; this was spun and the separated serum was used for the determination of CRP and albumin levels. The serum CRP and plasma fibrinogen were determined by Sandwich ELISA method while serum albumin was determined using Bromocresol green (BCG) binding method.

Results: The hypertensives had significantly higher WBC (p≤0.001), LYM (p=0.044), NEU (p=0.009) and RDW-SD (p=0.004) compared to normotensives. The hypertensives had statistically higher SBP (mm/Hg) (p≤0.001), DBP (mm/Hg) (p≤0.001) and BMI (kg/m2) (p<0.001) compared to the normotensives. The hypertensives also had statistically higher CRP (mg/L) (p≤0.001) and fibrinogen (mg/dL) (p=<0.001) compared to the normotensives. However, the ALB (g/dl) (p≤0.001) was statistically lower among hypertensives compared to the normotensives.

Conclusion: This study has shown that some haematological parameters may possibly indicate heightened immune system activity and chronic inflammation associated with hypertension.