Dermatoglyphic markers as predictors of high blood pressure in young soccer players

Background Finger dermatoglyphics has been used as a genetic marker that contributes to the detection of sports talents and the establishment of predisposition to develop physical capacities. Additionally, it has begun to venture as a strategy in the early detection of risk factors for the development of chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCD), with arterial hypertension being one of the least studied factors in athletes; since its prevalence is < 3%, and it has been associated primarily with lifestyle. Therefore, the objective of this study was to know the correlation between the dermatoglyphic characteristics and the increase in blood pressure (BP) in young soccer players. Methods Analytical study. The sample was 86 male soccer players between 18 and 26 years of age; the case definition was soccer players with high blood pressure according to the AHA classification. Controls were those with normal blood pressure. The dermatoglyphic profile was scanned according to the Cummins and Midlo protocol on the 10 fingers of the hands. Statistical analyzes were processed in SPSS 25.0, at a significance level of p ≤ 0.05. The quantitative variables were evaluated with the Shapiro-Wilk test, the non-parametric with Mann-Whitney and the qualitative with the chi-square test. Results The Shapiro-Wilk test detected an abnormal distribution of the crests of the fingers index and atrial of the right hand (RH); of the index and middle fingers of the left hand (LH), and the summation of crests - SQTL of LH. In addition, a significant intergroup difference in all fingerprint patterns (arches, loops and whorls). Finally, a substantial difference for the fifth finger LH; fourth and fifth finger RH, and ulnar loops is more frequent in atrial LH, in annular and atrial RH in the high BP group. Conclusions Dermatoglyphics are suggested as a marker for the early diagnosis of elevated BP in young athletes. Key messages Dermatoglyphic patterns are a marker for the detection of high BP in young soccer players. Early detection of risk factors reduces the incidence of CNCD.