Dermatoglyphic characteristics of hypertensives

Introduction: Dermatoglyphics is the analysis of fingerprints as a genetic marker that can be related to health, sports and disease prognosis. Since the method analyzes genetic markers, finding a pattern or rare marker for certain diseases is very important, it may be a useful tool for disease prognosis and diagnosis. Objective: Investigate dermatoglyphics as a prognosis method for hypertension. Method: This is an applied analytical study, with a quantitative approach, using the technical procedures of descriptive research. The sample was composed of 268 adults, 134 with hypertension and 134 controls, of both sexes and different ages. Fingerprints were collected from all fingers, starting with the little finger on the left hand and concluding with the little finger on the right hand. The method applied to determine the profile of individuals is computerized dermatoglyphics, using a dermatoglyphic reader to collect the fingerprints. Statistical analyses were processed in Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS), 20.0, at a significance level of p=0.05. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to compare the two groups and their quantitative variables to determine if they were normally distributed. In the event of non-normal distribution, the Mann-Whitney nonparametric test was applied to compare the following numerical variables. Results: There was a significant difference in the number of lines on finger 5 of the right hand, the hypertensive group exhibiting the lowest number. In addition to the statistically significant difference in the ulnar loop pattern on the 5th finger of the left hand, and 4th and 5th of the right hand, this pattern appeared more frequently in the hypertensive group. This evidence confirms the existence of a rare marker revealed by dermatoglyphics in patients with hypertension, demonstrating the use of dermatoglyphics as an additional parameter in identifying individuals with this disease.