The platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio as an indirect outcome predictor in primary hypertension: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND: Nondipper hypertensive patients have higher levels of platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, a new studied inflammatory biomarker in primary hypertension. Furthermore, these patients have a higher risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to assess the relationship between platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio and hypertensive pattern (dipper vs nondipper) and the association between the hypertensive pattern and major adverse cardiovascular events. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed. One hundred fifty-three patients were included and classified as dipper or nondipper according to 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure measurements. Platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio was calculated based on complete blood count data. RESULTS: The dipper group included 109 patients, and the nondipper group included 44 patients. Nondipper patients have 2.11 more risk of presenting a higher platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio than dipper individuals (odds ratio [OR] = 2.11; 95% CI, 1.220–3.664; P = .007). Nondipper patients also registered earlier cardiovascular events, such as acute myocardial infarction and stroke (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Nondipper hypertensive individuals registered higher levels of platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio and earlier cardiovascular events than dipper patients. Therefore, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio could be used as an indirect predictor of cardiovascular risk in primary hypertension and contribute to optimize preventive strategies.