Palmar & digital dermatoglyphic patterns in essential hypertension – A study in Puducherry population

Abstract

Hereditary factor plays a major role in the aetiopathogenesis of essential hypertension. Aging and positive family history increase the risk of hypertension. Development of dermatoglyphic patterns are regulated by genetic factors. So, in this study, we made an attempt to study the co-relation between palmar, digital dermatoglyphic patterns in essential hypertensive patients and normal persons in the Puducherry population. 50 patients with essential hypertension who were attending medicine OPD & 50 healthy volunteer controls were taken for the study under the age group of 30-60years. Digital and palmar dermatoglyphic impressions of both hands in cases and controls were taken using the modified Purvis Smith method along with their complete personal details for further analysis. The documents were analyzed using a hand lens for fingertip pattern, "atd" angle, and Sydney(S) line. The study results were found to have significantly increased (p=0.018) in loop patterns in (R) hand and insignificant (p=0.056) in (L) hand of cases compared to controls. Arch patterns were significantly higher in (R) (p=0.030) & (L) (p=0.000) hands of cases then controls. Whorls patterns were found to be significantly higher in (R) & (L) hands of controls (p=0.001). Mean 'atd' angle was significantly increased (p=0.000, p=0.020) in both hands of cases. Presence of Sydney line was seen rarely & equally in cases and controls. Increased frequency of loops & arches pattern with increased 'atd' Angle can be used as an external marker in early detection of hypertension and to plan for effective preventive strategies in the Puducherry population.