Study of eosinophil to monocyte ratio and its association with arterial blood pressure in hypertensives

ABSTRACT

Background: Total white blood cell (WBC) count is an effective marker of chronic inflammation. Granulocyte, specifically eosinophil play significant role in endothelial dysfunction, vasoconstriction, inflammation, and thrombosis. Along with eosinophil, previous studies reported increased activity of monocytes in hypertension (HT). Nowadays, in a medical research, we are using mathematical calculations, which is more accurate in this study. Aim and Objectives: This study was conducted to find out association of total WBC count and eosinophil to monocyte ratio (EMR) in hypertensives and normotensives. Materials and Methods: In study group, 50 hypertensives aged 40–60 years, males and females with the history of previously diagnosed HT >1 year duration, or taking antihypertensive medications with blood pressure (BP) Systolic BP (SBP) >140 mm Hg, Diastolic BP >90 mmHg were taken. In control group, 50 normotensives aged 40–60, males and females with SBP <140 mmHg, DBP <90 mmHg were taken, who were matching socioeconomically with study group. BP was measured, and venous blood samples were collected with proper aseptic precautions. Results: Study shows significantly (P < 0.05) high total WBC count, Eosinophil count and Monocyte count in hypertensives. EMR is also high but it is statistically not significant. Conclusion: High total WBC count, eosinophil count and monocyte count predicts risk of adverse cardiovascular events but change in EMR is not associated with HT.