Quantitative digito-palmar dermatoglyphics analysis in essential hypertension in a Nigerian population

Background: Hypertension is estimated to affect over a billion people globally, with that number likely to rise to 1.56 billion by 2025. Palmer dermatoglyphic is a non-invasive scientific study of epidermal ridges of the volar surfaces of the hands which is currently finding relevance in the management of gene-linked diseases. Objectives: The goal of this study was to explore the relevance of quantitative palmar dermatoglyphic parameters in predicting the likelihood of developing essential hypertension in the study population. Methods: The study was carried out with a total sample of 200 respondents consisting of 100 essential hypertensive and 100 normotensive individuals between the age group of 20-70 years. Interviewer administered structured questionnaire was used to collect relevant information from participants. Finger and palm prints were obtained through the use of CanoScan LiDE 300 scanner. Collected data were statistically analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) version 26.0 at a significance level of p<0.05. Results: The results obtained in this study showed that a-b ridge count in both hands was significantly lower (p<0.05) in the test group (34.61 +/- 3.550) compared to the control (41.83 +/- 5.019). Likewise the left atd angle of the test group (40.84) was significantly lower (p<0.05) compared to the control (42.54). Conclusion: The findings in this study suggested that a significant association exists between palmer dermatoglyphic features and essential hypertension predicting the possibility of being a veritable tool in identifying those who are at higher risk of developing essential hypertension very early thereby allowing for targeted preventive measures.