Can eosinophil cell counts predict coronary artery disease severity?

This study investigated if eosinophil cell counts (ECCs) are associated with coronary artery disease (CAD).

They found that ECC is associated with CAD severity.  

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a condition caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. Reduced blood flow in the arteries is caused by a process called atherosclerosis (ASS). ASS is the build-up of fatty deposits on the artery walls. These deposits are called plaques. 

Similar plaques are also formed in allergic asthma (AA). They form in air vessels called bronchioles and this restricts breathing. AA is caused by inflammation. Patients with AA also have a higher risk of ASS. Immune cells may play a role in this. Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell (WBC). WBCs are immune cells found in the blood. Eosinophils can cause inflammation in AA. Some studies suggest that high eosinophil numbers may be linked to an increased CAD risk. It is unclear if eosinophil cell count (ECC) can predict the risk or severity of CAD. 

This study included 5287 patients undergoing coronary angiography (CAG). CAG is a minimally invasive procedure that assesses blood flow to the heart. Patients were separated into groups depending on whether they had CAD or not. CAD severity was measured using the Gensini score. A blood sample was taken to measure ECC. The ECC was also expressed as a percentage of the total WBC count. 

The EEC was significantly different in CAD and non-CAD patients. Higher ECC was associated with less severe CAD. Low ECCs were associated with severe CAD and a higher risk for a heart attack.

The authors concluded that ECC is associated with CAD severity.  

This study was conducted at a single site in China. The findings may not extend to other ethnicities or regions. These patients underwent elective CAG. More investigation is needed in other patient populations. 

If you have any concerns regarding CAD please consult with your physician.