Publication:

A cross-sectional study of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio as a reliable inflammatory index among hypertensives in Government Rajaji Hospital, Madurai

Background Hypertension is a major risk factor to the development of atherothrombosis which is of major health concern today. Neutrophils and platelets play a significant role in the development of atherothrombosis leading to cardiovascular events. Presently, neutrophil lymphocyte ratio and platelet lymphocyte ratio which can be easily calculated from complete blood count have been identified as novel systemic inflammation based indices predictive of cardiovascular risk. This study attempted to assess the relationship between neutrophil lymphocyte ratio and platelet lymphocyte ratio with hypertension.

Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in 30 hypertensive patients with less than 2 years of duration and in 30 normal healthy adults between ages 40 to 60 years. Anthropometric measurements (height, weight) and blood pressure were measured. Complete blood count was also analyzed. Pearson’s correlation factor (r) was used to analyse quantitative data.

Results Both neutrophil lymphocyte ratio and platelet lymphocyte ratio showed a significant positive correlation with systolic BP observed by Pearson’s correlation. NLR (r=0.847, p<0.001) and PLR (r=0.209, p<0.009).

Conclusions Neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet lymphocyte ratio (PLR) can be used as reliable parameters in clinical practice and in epidemiological studies as indices of inflammation among hypertensives.