Exploring the Association Between Markers of Blood Rheology and Liver Dysfunction in Hypertensive Patients: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Dr. Md Year Ali Sk, Dr. Shiuli Roy Adak, Dr. Md Hefjur Rahaman

Abstract: Background: Hypertension is a systemic inflammatory condition known to induce both liver dysfunction and alterations in blood rheology. Markers of hepatocyte injury, such as Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) and Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), and markers indicative of blood viscosity, including Haematocrit (HCT) and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), are frequently elevated in hypertensive patients. However, the direct association between these haematological and hepatic markers remains under-characterized. Objective: To investigate the association between markers of liver dysfunction (ALT, AST) and markers of blood rheology (HCT, ESR, and C-Reactive Protein (CRP)) in a cohort of hypertensive patients. Methods: A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted on 198 patients diagnosed with primary hypertension. Serum levels of ALT, AST, CRP, and haematological parameters including HCT and ESR were measured. Patients were categorized into Grade 1 and Grade 2 hypertension. Statistical analysis involved independent t-tests to compare mean differences between groups and Pearson correlation analysis to assess the relationship between variables. Results: Patients with Grade 2 hypertension exhibited significantly higher mean levels of ALT (p < 0.001), AST (p < 0.001), and ESR (p < 0.001) compared to those with Grade 1 hypertension. A statistically significant, moderate positive correlation was found between HCT and both ALT (r = 0.54, p < 0.001) and AST (r = 0.51, p < 0.001). No significant correlation was observed for ESR or CRP with the liver enzymes. Conclusion: The severity of hypertension is associated with worsening liver function and elevated ESR. Furthermore, HCT demonstrates a direct positive correlation with markers of liver injury, suggesting that increased blood viscosity may be linked to the pathophysiology of hypertension-induced liver dysfunction.

Keywords: Hypertension, Liver dysfunction, Blood rheology, Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Haematocrit (HCT), Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Systemic inflammation, Hepatocyte injury, Cardiovascular risk, Metabolic risk

How to Cite?: Dr. Md Year Ali Sk, Dr. Shiuli Roy Adak, Dr. Md Hefjur Rahaman, "Exploring the Association Between Markers of Blood Rheology and Liver Dysfunction in Hypertensive Patients: A Cross-Sectional Analysis", Volume 14 Issue 10, October 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 758-766, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=MR251013233226, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/MR251013233226