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Total and differential leukocyte counts as predictors of ischemic heart disease: the Caerphilly and Speedwell studies
P M Sweetnam1, H F Thomas, J W Yarnell
1MRC Epidemiology Unit, Llandough Hospital, Penarth, South Glamorgan, United Kingdom.
Insights
Total leukocyte count predicts ischemic heart disease (IHD) risk, even after accounting for smoking. Neutrophil count was the primary driver of increased leukocyte counts in men who developed IHD.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Hematology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Total leukocyte count is a known risk factor for ischemic heart disease (IHD).
- Limited data exists on the specific roles of individual leukocyte types in IHD.
- The influence of smoking on leukocyte counts and IHD risk remains debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between differential white blood cell counts and ischemic heart disease.
- To determine if specific leukocyte subtypes contribute to IHD risk independently of classical risk factors, including smoking.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from 4,860 men aged 45-63 years from the Caerphilly and Speedwell studies.
- Analyzed 10-year follow-up data for total leukocyte count and IHD events.
- Examined 5-year follow-up data for differential white cell counts.
Main Results:
- Total leukocyte count independently predicted ischemic heart disease events after adjusting for smoking and other classical risk factors.
- Neutrophil count was the main contributor to elevated total leukocyte counts in men who subsequently developed IHD.
- A statistically significant increase in eosinophil count was also observed in men with IHD.
Conclusions:
- Neutrophils are a key leukocyte type associated with increased ischemic heart disease risk.
- Differential white blood cell counts provide valuable prognostic information for cardiovascular events.
- Further research should explore the mechanisms linking specific leukocyte subtypes to IHD pathogenesis.
Abstract:
A number of studies have shown total leukocyte count to be a risk factor for ischemic heart disease, but there is little information on the role of the individual types of leukocyte, and the role of smoking is controversial. The Caerphilly and Speedwell studies recruited 4,860 men aged 45-63 years between 1979 and 1983 in South Wales and the West of England, respectively. At the 10-year follow-up, the total leukocyte count predicted ischemic heart disease events after adjusting for the classical risk factors, including smoking. Five-year follow-up results were available for differential white cell counts. The main contributor to the increase in total count in the men who developed disease was the neutrophil count. There was also a statistically significant increase in the eosinophil count.