A “Handy” tool for hypertension prediction: Dermatoglyphics

BACKGROUND: Fingerprints studied by dermatoglyphics are unique for a given individual. It depends on the genetic makeup of an individual. Hypertension, a harbinger of many complications, is determined by genetic and environmental factors. In this observational study, we tried to find an association of palmar dermatoglyphic parameters and hypertension. METHOD: Two hundred fifty known hypertensives as cases and 250 normotensives as controls were enrolled after considering inclusion and exclusion criteria. Dermatoglyphic patterns on tips of fingers obtained by digital imaging were noted in both the groups, and “atd” angle was calculated using “screen protractor” software. Collected data were statistically analyzed to find any association between dermatoglyphic qualitative and dermatoglyphic quantitative patterns and hypertension. RESULT: Mean “atd” angle was higher in cases than in controls. Comparison of dermatoglyphic patterns in both the groups in various ways—both hands together, the right hand and left hand separately, similar fingers on right and left hand together, and similar fingers separately—was performed which revealed that at every level, whorls were more frequent in cases than in controls and that distribution of dermatoglyphic patterns were statistically significant in cases than in controls. CONCLUSION: Fingerprint patterns can be reliably used to identify individuals likely at risk for hypertension, and accordingly, preventive measures can be targeted. This subject area demands a need for further research and analysis with large sample size to allow dermatoglyphics to evolve into a cost-effective and handy tool for identifying individuals at risk of hypertension.