The relationship between neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and diastolic dysfunction in patients with essential hypertension

Abstract

Aim: Diastolic dysfunction (DD), which often accompanies essential hypertension (HT), can progress to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Recent studies have shown an association between chronic inflammation and HT. In this study, we aimed to investigate the neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in hypertensive patients with and without DD and the relationship between NLR and DD development. Methods: The study included 50 patients with DD and 50 patients without DD. Left ventricular systolic and diastolic functions were evaluated by echocardiography in all patients. A complete blood count, C-reactive protein (CRP), and NLR were analyzed in blood samples obtained from the patients. Results: There was no significant difference in demographic characteristics and biochemical values between the two groups. White blood cell count and NLR were significantly higher in the group with DD (p<0.001). There was a strong correlation between the presence of DD and NLR in hypertensive patients (r=0.814, p<0.001). Although CRP was between reference values in both groups, it was significantly higher in the group with DD compared to the group without DD (4.40±1.60 vs. 3.70±0.90, p=0.020). Conclusion: NLR can be used to detect DD in patients with hypertension and is an easily accessible and inexpensive inflammatory marker.