Comparison of Clotting and Inflammatory Biomarkers Between Young Hypertensive and Normotensive Adults in Ekiti State, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND

Stroke remains a leading cause of death and disability worldwide and is increasingly affecting young adults aged 18-45 years. Hypertension is the most prevalent risk factor, yet early identification of associated biological changes in this population remains challenging. Inflammatory, metabolic, and coagulation biomarkers may provide insight into vascular alterations linked to hypertension.

METHODOLOGY: In this multicenter cross-sectional study, 110 hypertensive and 60 normotensive adults aged 18-45 years were consecutively recruited from tertiary hospitals in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected, and venous blood samples were analyzed for interleukin-33, antithrombin III, fibrinogen, and lipoprotein(a) using ELISA. Additional markers including lipid profile, C-reactive protein (CRP), bilirubin (total and direct), uric acid, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), were assessed using standard laboratory methods.

RESULTS

Hypertensive participants exhibited elevated total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-C, with significantly reduced HDL-C. Lipoprotein(a) levels did not differ between groups. Inflammatory markers (IL-33 and CRP) and fibrinogen were significantly elevated in hypertensives, while antithrombin III was reduced, reflecting a pro-thrombotic tendency. Total and direct bilirubin were lower in hypertensives, suggesting a potential protective role when elevated. HbA1c and uric acid were also significantly higher in the hypertensive group.

CONCLUSION

Several biomarkers were altered in hypertensive individuals, reflecting inflammatory, metabolic, and pro-thrombotic associations. These findings represent associations with hypertension rather than predictive markers of stroke. Longitudinal studies are warranted to validate these associations and explore biomarker combinations for improved risk assessment in young adults.