Abstract

PLATELET COUNT AND INDICES IN HYPERTENSION AMONG SUDANESE PATIENTS

Abubakar Eltahir* and I K Ibrahim

Abstract

Hypertension, a leading contributor to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, is on the rise in Sudan, exacerbated by delayed diagnosis and limited access to healthcare. Platelet count and platelet indices— such as mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), and plateletcrit (PCT)—have emerged as potential biomarkers for hypertension-related risks. This review evaluates the significance of platelet count and indices in hypertensive Sudanese patients, exploring their relationship with disease progression and cardiovascular risk. Platelets, central to clot formation, also play a key role in endothelial dysfunction and inflammation, both of which are implicated in hypertension. Studies in Sudanese hypertensive patients suggest variability in platelet count, with some demonstrating increased counts due to heightened platelet activation. Elevated MPV and PDW levels have been correlated with uncontrolled hypertension, indicating a higher thrombotic risk and potential for early vascular damage in these patients. The role of PCT remains less established but shows promise as a cardiovascular risk marker. Incorporating platelet indices into hypertension management could significantly improve early detection and treatment outcomes in resource-limited settings like Sudan, where advanced diagnostic tools are scarce. By monitoring these indices, healthcare providers can better stratify patients by risk, particularly those vulnerable to severe complications such as stroke or myocardial infarction. Further research is essential to validate the clinical utility of these markers, but current evidence supports their integration into routine practice for the Sudanese hypertensive population, where early intervention is crucial in preventing cardiovascular events.

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