Evaluation of the Relationship between Hematological Indices and Cardiovascular Events in Isfahan Cohort Study

Abstract

Background and Objective: Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in developing countries. Inflammation significantly contributes to the process of atherosclerosis. Therefore, evaluating White Blood Cells (WBC) and platelet counts as markers of inflammatory as well as hematocrit as a marker of blood viscosity may predict coronary events. The present study aimed to evaluate the relationship between hematological indices and the incidence of cardiovascular events. Materials and Methods: This study was based on the results of the Isfahan Cohort Study (ICS) which was a long-term, population-based study of 6504 adults over the age of 35 years with no history of CVD who were followed up for any incidence of CVD from 2001 to 2015. Basic levels of hematological indices were measured by entering the study. Results: About 49.5% of the population were male. The mean age of the population and individuals with CVD were about 51 and 57.6 years, respectively. Significant relationships were observed between systolic and diastolic blood pressures, fasting blood glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) levels, and waist circumference with the incidence of cardiovascular events (P<0.001 for all). Hematocrit, hemoglobin, RBC, and WBC measures were significantly associated with the incidence of cardiovascular events (P=0.002 for all). There was no significant relationship between platelet levels and the incidence of cardiovascular events. Conclusion: Hematological indices including WBC and RBC counts as well as hemoglobin and hematocrit levels can predict the incidence of cardiovascular events.