Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 19, 2026

Signal Acquisition, Score Interpretation, and Economics of a Non-Invasive Point-of-Care Test for Coronary Artery Disease
Published on: August 9, 2024
Relation between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and severity of coronary artery stenosis
1Department of Cardiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
Insights
The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is higher in patients with severe coronary artery stenosis. This blood marker can help predict the severity of coronary heart disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Hematology
- Biomarkers
Background:
- Coronary artery disease (CAD) poses a significant health burden.
- Assessing the severity of coronary artery stenosis is crucial for patient management.
- Novel biomarkers for predicting CAD severity are needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the severity of coronary artery stenosis.
- To determine if NLR can serve as a predictor for coronary artery disease severity.
Main Methods:
- A total of 219 patients were enrolled, categorized into coronary artery atherosclerosis (CAC), stable angina pectoris (SAP), and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) groups.
- Patients were classified into low-Gensini score (N=142) and high-Gensini score (N=77) groups based on coronary angiography.
- Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was calculated from complete blood count data. Correlation and logistic regression analyses were employed.
Main Results:
- The NLR was significantly elevated in ACS patients compared to SAP and CAC patients (P < 0.05).
- Patients in the high-Gensini score group exhibited higher NLRs than those in the low-Gensini score group (P < 0.05).
- NLR showed a significant positive correlation with the Gensini score. High NLR, age, and low high-density lipoprotein were independent predictors of high Gensini scores.
Conclusions:
- The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is significantly associated with the severity of coronary artery stenosis.
- NLR serves as an independent predictor for high Gensini scores, indicating severe coronary artery disease.
- NLR may be a valuable and accessible biomarker for assessing coronary heart disease severity.
Abstract:
This study aimed to investigate the relation between the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the severity of coronary artery stenosis. A total of 219 patients were included in the study, comprising 51 coronary artery atherosclerosis (CAC) patients, 92 stable angina pectoris (SAP) patients, and 76 acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. Based on the results of coronary angiography, all patients were divided into two groups according to the Gensini scores: the low-score group (N = 142) and the high-score group (N = 77). The NLR was computed from the ratio of neutrophils and lymphocytes from the complete blood count. The association between the NLR and severity of coronary artery disease was assessed using correlation analysis and logistic regression. The NLR was higher in ACS patients than in SAP and CAC patients (P < 0.05). In addition, the NLR was higher in the high-score group than in the low-score group (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis showed that the NLR was significantly correlated with the Gensini score. After multivariate analysis, high NLRs were independent predictors of high Gensini scores, together with age and high-density lipoprotein. A cutoff NLR of 2.385 predicted high Gensini scores with a sensitivity and specificity of 64 and 63%, respectively. The study suggests that the NLR is an independent predictor of coronary heart disease that may be useful for predicting the severity of coronary artery stenosis.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies
Odds Ratio
Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology
Relative Risk
Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations
Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures

