Researchers say higher white blood cell counts test can help detect heart disease. The research, which was conducted on more than 66,000 women, suggests that women with higher levels of white blood cells had twice the risk of dying from heart disease as compared to women with lower levels of white blood cells. It was also noted that increased white blood cell counts relate to 40 per cent higher risk for nonfatal heart attack and a 46 per cent higher risk for stroke.
White blood cells actually work as germ fighters in our body. Their levels automatically rise in order to fight viruses and bacteria in our system. In fact on many occasions doctors take the help of a white blood cell count to diagnose patient’s illnesses, while others use C-reactive protein test to diagnose heart disease.
But the white blood cell test is not only cheaper and widely available, but also a strong predictor as C-reactive protein, the researchers say. It costs $25 to take a white blood cell test, and about $75 to take a C-reactive protein test.
Dr. Steven Nissen cardiologist at Cleveland Clinic said the new study may not necessarily change medical guidelines but should get doctors' attention. “It's really a wake-up call for the profession. Heart disease was not created by cholesterol alone,” he said.
The study, which was led by Dr. Karen Margolis, associate medical director of the Berman Center for Clinical Research in Minneapolis said the study is still in its nascent stage and there were some loopholes which needed to be fixed.
He said it was still unknown what comes first, inflammation or damaged blood vessels. It is also unclear whether lowering white blood cell counts can lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes, Margolis said.
Researchers first measured white blood cell counts once, and then tracked the women for an average of six years. They then took into account other risk factors such as diet, smoking, age and physical activity.
The study is part of the Women's Health Initiative undertaken by the National Institutes of Health which involves postmenopausal women from across the country.
