The Pattern of Platelet Indices Amongst Hypertensive Patients in North-Central Nigeria: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is a common and important major global health problem affecting more than 927 million people worldwide. Elevated levels of platelet indices correlates with platelet activation. Platelet activation plays a key role in the complications of hypertension. Aim: To determine the levels of Platelet indices in hypertensive patients and to compare the platelet indices in control subjects in North central Nigeria. Method: This was a cross-sectional comparative study conducted among 151 Hypertensives and 150 Normotensive controls in Federal Medical Centre Keffi Nasarawa State (North Central Nigeria).Three millilitres (3mls) of venous blood were aseptically collected by venepuncture from each participant into ETDA bottle and analysed using an automated full blood count machine. Data obtained were analysed using SPSS version 27, and results considered to be significant at p<0.05. Results: This study assessed and compared the platelet indices between 151 hypertensive and 150 normotensive controls. Amongst the hypertensive patients, 57 (37.7%) were males while 94(62.2%) were females. Amongst the control group, 78(52.0) were males while 72(48.0) were females. The median of the mean platelet volume was 10.40fl and 10.20fl amongst hypertensive patients vs control subjects respectively. The median of the platelet distribution width was 12.80% and 12.60% amongst hypertensive patients vs. control subjects respectively. The platelet large cell ratio was 27.40% and 26.90% amongst patients vs. control subjects respectively Conclusion: Our study demonstrated significant alteration in platelet indices in hypertensive patients compared to normotensive patients. The MPV, PDW and the PLCR in patients with hypertension was higher than in controlled subjects. These changes likely reflect increased platelet activation and may contribute to the elevated thrombotic risk observed in hypertensive patients.