Correlation between the Hemoglobin, Albumin, Lymphocyte, and Platelet (HALP) Score and Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Older Patients with Hypertension*

Abstract

Introduction: Hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) have emerged as significant risk factors for cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality. Inflammation and nutrition play critical roles in the development of hypertension and damage to target organs. The HALP Score, which assesses levels of hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocytes, and platelets, is an index closely associated with inflammation and nutrition, and has been demonstrated to be particularly effective in the older population. Hence, the objective of this study was to examine the correlation between the HALP Score and LVH in older patients with hypertension. Methods: We collected and retrospectively analyzed data from 234 older patients, including clinical data, and routine blood, liver function, kidney function, and cardiac ultrasound parameters. All patients were categorized into a non-left ventricular hypertrophy (NLVH) group (n = 131) or an LVH group (n = 103). The association between the HALP Score and LVH was investigated, and potential influencing factors were considered. Results: The LVH group had a significantly lower HALP Score than the NLVH group. Logistic regression analysis revealed that a lower HALP Score and female sex were independent factors associated with LVH in older patients with hypertension (OR = 0.944, 9.962, 95% CI: 0.910–0.979, 3.866–24.300, P = 0.002, <0.001). The area under the curve for the HALP Score in diagnosing LVH in older patients with hypertension was 0.708 (95% CI: 0.641–0.776, P = 0.002). Conclusion: The HALP Score is significantly associated with LVH in older patients with hypertension: lower scores indicate a greater likelihood of LVH. The HALP Score has moderate diagnostic value for LVH in this population.