7 research outputs found
A âHandyâ tool for hypertension prediction: Dermatoglyphics
Background: Fingerprints studied by dermatoglyphics are unique for a given individual. It depends on the genetic makeup of an individual. Hypertension, a harbinger of many complications, is determined by genetic and environmental factors. In this observational study, we tried to find an association of palmar dermatoglyphic parameters and hypertension. Method: Two hundred fifty known hypertensives as cases and 250 normotensives as controls were enrolled after considering inclusion and exclusion criteria. Dermatoglyphic patterns on tips of fingers obtained by digital imaging were noted in both the groups, and âatdâ angle was calculated using âscreen protractorâ software. Collected data were statistically analyzed to find any association between dermatoglyphic qualitative and dermatoglyphic quantitative patterns and hypertension. Result: Mean âatdâ angle was higher in cases than in controls. Comparison of dermatoglyphic patterns in both the groups in various waysâboth hands together, the right hand and left hand separately, similar fingers on right and left hand together, and similar fingers separatelyâwas performed which revealed that at every level, whorls were more frequent in cases than in controls and that distribution of dermatoglyphic patterns were statistically significant in cases than in controls. Conclusion: Fingerprint patterns can be reliably used to identify individuals likely at risk for hypertension, and accordingly, preventive measures can be targeted. This subject area demands a need for further research and analysis with large sample size to allow dermatoglyphics to evolve into a cost-effective and handy tool for identifying individuals at risk of hypertension. Keywords: âatdâ angle, Arches, Fingerprints, Loops, Raised blood pressure, Whorl