Some Full Blood Count Parameters among Hypertensive Patients Attending Specialist Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria

Hypertension (HTN) is a major health problem worldwide. It can lead to cardiovascular disease and functional disturbances including haematological parameters. Full blood count (FBC) parameters of a total of 60 consecutively-recruited hypertensive subjects and 30 age-matched non-hypertensive controls were studied between June and September, 2018. Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetic Acid (EDTA) anticoagulated blood and serum from subjects and control participants were analyzed for FBC. The total white cell count (WBC), packed cell volume (PCV) haemoglobin (Hb), neutrophils and eosinophils were significantly lower among hypertensive subjects compared to non-hypertensive controls (p < 0.01, p = 0.02, p < 0.01, p < 0.01, p < 0.01) respectively. The red cell count, monocyte and lymphocyte count were significantly higher among the hypertensive subjects compared to controls (p = 0.00). There was a statistically significant variation in the haemoglobin, platelet count and red cell distribution width among the hypertensive subjects based on the stage of the hypertensive disease (p < 0.01, p = 0.01 and p < 0.01) respectively. The haematological parameters were compared among the hypertensive subjects based on age, gender and ethnicity. The PCV and platelet count were significantly higher among hypertensives >40-year-old compared to those <40 years of age (p = 0.02 and 0.01) respectively. The RBC count was significantly higher among female compared to male hypertensives (p = 0.05). The haemoglobin and monocyte count were significantly higher among male compared to female hypertensives (p = 0.02 and 0.04) respectively. The monocyte count was significantly higher among hypertensive subjects of Hausa ethnic group compared to Fulani (t = 2.79, p < 0.01). The findings from this study indicates that the WBC, PCV, Hb, neutrophils and eosinophils were significantly lower among hypertensive subjects compared to non-hypertensive controls. Stage of the disease, age, gender and ethnicity had a significant effect on the FBC parameters of the hypertensive patients. There is need to step up public enlightenment programme to educate hypertensive patients on the need for attending clinic regularly for effective follow up. It is recommended that facilities for the routine monitoring of FBC parameters among hypertensive in the area be provided.