Comparison of Red Cell Indices between Hypertensive and Normotensive Individual in Rajshahi City

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is a major public health problem worldwide. Hypertension is a risk factor for stroke, renal failure and cardiovascular disease and has an impact on hematological parameters. Hypertension with abnormal hematological parameters enhance end-organ damage. The aim of this study was to explore whether red cell indices parameters (MCV, MCH and MCHC) were associated with hypertension or not.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional comparative study was carried out in the Department of Physiology in collaboration with OPD Department of Medicine in Rajshahi Medical College from January 2019 to December 2019 among the hypertensive patients and normal adults in Rajshahi citywith ethical clearance from respective IERB. Samples were collected by purposive sampling technique. Pre-designed, validated, structured questionnaire was used to gather information from 60 hypertensive and 60 normotensive respondents residing in Rajshahi City. In both group, sex ratio was equal. Unpaired ‘t’ test was performed to compare the red cell indices between two groups. Data were analyzed by SPSS software, version-24. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: In hypertensive group, more than half (53.3%) of the respondents had systolic blood pressure between 140 to 159 mmHg and less than three-quarter (73.3%) had diastolic blood pressure between 100 to 120 mmHg. In the normotensive group, more than half (51.7%) of the respondents had systolic blood pressure between 110 to 119 mmHg and less than two-thirds (63.3%) had diastolic blood pressure between 70 to 79 mmHg. In both hypertensive and normotensive group, the majority of the respondent’s MCV level was 76-94 fL, MCH 27-32 Pg and MCHC 31-35 gm/dl. The hematological parameters including mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were significantly increased in the hypertensive group compared to the normotensive group (p<0.001, p<0.001 and p=0.001 respectively).

Conclusion: By regular investigation of Red Cell Indices, it is possible to diagnose early hypertension, and appropriate measures might be taken to prevent hypertension related complications. Information from the study might be helpful for the concerned people to take appropriate measures for hypertensive patients and the basis for further in-depth study on this issue.

Eastern Med Coll J. July 2024; 9 (2): 62-67