Hypertension Severity and Inflammatory Burden as Evaluated by Neutrophil–Lymphocyte Ratio

Abstract

Background: Different studies implicated inflammation as associative or causative factor in the development of hypertension (HT). It has been reported that low-grade inflammation enhances development of HT, as high blood pressure is linked with high neutrophils, lymphocytes, C-reactive protein, and interleukin 6. Neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) may reflect underlying chronic low-grade inflammation in different inflammatory disorders and cardiovascular diseases including HT. Telmisartan (TLS), which is an angiotensin II receptor type 1 blocker that used in the management of HT, may reduce the associated inflammatory disorders. Thus, the aim of the present study was to assess the level of NLR in relation to the HT severity in patients treated with TLS. Methods: Forty-four patients with severe HT compared with matched 20 patients with mild HT as controls were recruited. Anthropometric and biochemical variables as well as NLR were measured. Results: Blood pressure and lipid profile were higher in patients with severe HT on antihypertensive therapy other than TLS. TLS treatments had improved blood pressure; lipid profile and low NLR compared to patients with severe HT not were on TLS treatment. Conclusion: TLS reduces HT severity through reduction of NLR; therefore, it regarded the optimum angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) drug in the management of HT. Thus, preclinical and prospective studies are warranted in this regards.