Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 25, 2026

Quantification of Monocyte Transmigration and Foam Cell Formation from Individuals with Chronic Inflammatory Conditions
09:41

Quantification of Monocyte Transmigration and Foam Cell Formation from Individuals with Chronic Inflammatory Conditions

Published on: October 17, 2017

Neutrophil counts, monocyte counts and cardiovascular disease in the elderly

Eleanor M Pinto1, Felicia A Huppert, Kevin Morgan

  • 1Centre for Applied Medical Statistics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK. eleanor.pinto@utoronto.ca

Experimental Gerontology
|March 31, 2004
PubMed

Insights

In elderly individuals, higher monocyte and neutrophil white blood cell counts are linked to increased cardiovascular disease risk. This association holds true even after adjusting for common risk factors in a healthy older population.

Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Immunology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine

Background:

  • Previous research linked white blood cell counts, especially monocytes, to cardiovascular disease (CVD).
  • These studies primarily focused on middle-aged men, leaving a gap in understanding elderly populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between white blood cell counts and CVD history in an elderly population.
  • To determine if monocyte and neutrophil associations with CVD are present in older adults.

Main Methods:

  • Recruited 1046 elderly individuals (≥65 years) from the Medical Research Council Cognitive Function and Ageing Study (MRC CFAS).
  • Analyzed monocyte, neutrophil, lymphocyte, eosinophil, and basophil counts.
  • Assessed associations with cardiovascular disease history, adjusting for age, sex, smoking, and BMI.

Main Results:

  • Monocyte and neutrophil counts were significantly associated with CVD history (OR 1.48 and 1.44 per tertile, respectively).
  • These associations remained significant after adjusting for confounders.
  • No significant association was found for lymphocyte, eosinophil, or basophil counts with CVD history.

Conclusions:

  • Monocyte and neutrophil counts are independently associated with cardiovascular disease in healthy elderly individuals.
  • These findings highlight the potential role of specific white blood cell types as biomarkers for CVD risk in older adults.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Evaluation of a Point-of-Care Testing Analyzer for Measuring Peripheral Blood Leukocytes05:58

Evaluation of a Point-of-Care Testing Analyzer for Measuring Peripheral Blood Leukocytes

Published on: March 22, 2022

Characterization of Human Monocyte Subsets by Whole Blood Flow Cytometry Analysis09:12

Characterization of Human Monocyte Subsets by Whole Blood Flow Cytometry Analysis

Published on: October 17, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers01:19

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers

Cardiac biomarkers are critical in diagnosing, prognosing, and managing cardiovascular diseases. Routine measurement of specific biomarkers such as B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), C-reactive protein (CRP), and homocysteine (Hcy) is common practice in clinical settings to evaluate heart function and predict cardiovascular events.
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
Inflammation01:38

Inflammation

Overview
Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease01:27

Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease

Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is a multidisciplinary field that examines how psychological factors, particularly stress, interact with the immune system and impact physical health. Research in PNI has shown that chronic or traumatic stress can disrupt both the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system. These disruptions contribute to serious health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases.
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
Assessment of the Cardiovascular System I: Subjective Data01:23

Assessment of the Cardiovascular System I: Subjective Data

A thorough health history and physical assessment are essential for identifying cardiovascular disease (CVD) symptoms and distinguishing them from other health issues.
Initial Enquiry
Ask the patient about their primary concern and thoroughly explore all reported symptoms.
Medical History
Investigate past illnesses affecting the cardiovascular system, such as angina, anemia, rheumatic fever, congenital heart disease, stroke, thrombophlebitis, dysrhythmias, varicosities
Inquire about symptoms...
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System I: Cardiac Biomarkers01:20

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System I: Cardiac Biomarkers

Cardiac biomarkers are enzymes, proteins, and hormones released into the blood when cardiac cells are injured. They are powerful tools for triaging.
The essential diagnostic tools for detecting myocardial necrosis and monitoring individuals suspected of having acute coronary syndrome (ACS) include:
Troponins
Troponins, particularly cardiac troponins I and T, are the most precise and sensitive markers of myocardial injury. They are detectable within 4-6 hours of myocardial injury and remain...