ABSTRACT
Objective:
The central role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases is increasingly recognized. Chronic inflammation emerges as a key factor in the underlying processes of atherosclerosis, directly influencing plaque formation, progression, and complications. The systemic immune-inflammatory index is a measure reflecting the immune response and has been associated with coronary artery disease. It is known that high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels can reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. This study investigated whether the ratio of the systemic immune-inflammatory index to anti-inflammatory high-density lipoprotein is effective in predicting coronary artery disease in diagnosed patients.
Material and Methods:
This retrospective case-control study was conducted between October 2022 and May 2023 at our clinic among patients diagnosed with coronary artery disease through examinations (coronary computed tomography angiography and coronary angiography; case group: n=230) and those not diagnosed (control group: n=263). The presence of coronary artery disease was defined, consistent with previous studies, as a 50% or greater narrowing in the coronary artery.
Results:
Our study showed that the systemic immune-inflammatory index/high-density lipoprotein ratio was higher in the coronary artery disease group. Logistic regression analysis indicated that age, hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol levels, kidney function, and the systemic immune-inflammatory index/high-density lipoprotein ratio are independent predictors of coronary artery disease.
Conclusion:
The systemic immune-inflammatory index/high-density lipoprotein ratio has been shown as a potential index in determining coronary artery disease. This can provide clinicians with a fast, inexpensive, and effective screening test and may gain further importance in the future.