The role of C-reactive protein:albumin ratio and Neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio in predicting coronary artery disease

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Clinical Biochemistry
• Inflammation Research

Background:

• Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a leading cause of mortality globally, often stemming from coronary artery disease (CAD).
• Investigating readily available blood parameters for CAD assessment is crucial for early diagnosis and management.
• This study explores the association between common laboratory markers and the presence of CAD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the relationship between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio (CAR) with coronary artery disease (CAD).
• To determine the diagnostic value of NLR and CAR in patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study involving 100 ACS patients and 106 controls with suspected CAD but normal coronary arteries.
• Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) calculated as neutrophil count divided by lymphocyte count.
• C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio (CAR) calculated as CRP level divided by albumin level.

Main Results:

• NLR and CAR were significantly higher in the ACS patient group compared to the control group (p < 0.001).
• Albumin levels were significantly lower in the ACS patient group (p = 0.01).
• Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis indicated significant diagnostic value for both CAR (AUC: 0.68 ± 0.07, p = 0.003) and NLR (AUC: 0.66 ± 0.09, p ≤ 0.001) for CAD.

Conclusions:

• Elevated NLR and CAR are associated with CAD and may serve as indicators of inflammation in ACS patients.
• These inflammatory markers show potential as diagnostic tools for CAD.
• Close monitoring of patients with elevated NLR and CAR, even those without diagnosed CAD, is recommended.