Hematology As Predictor Of Cardiovascular Outcome

Personalized cardiovascular risk prediction requires specific and sensitive markers. In the past years, the belief in the “golden bullet”, i.e. a single marker fulfilling all criteria, has been replaced by the insight that marker combinations outperform single parameters. This has been further supported by the advent of more sophisticated data analysis techniques and big data models. The downside of multimarker panels is their price tag, especially when having to be performed serially. Consequently, there is a large need for affordable and easily available markers. Ideally, such measurements are not restricted to specialized centers but can be performed globally from small to large medical centers and hospitals.

Hematocytometry is the most frequently performed analysis in diagnostic labs. It is cheap and provides invaluable information on all cellular blood components. Many hematology parameters have been described to be associated with increased mortality or risk for adverse events. In particular, RDW (red cell distribution width) has been subject of numerous studies and is highly predictive of mortality risk in several disorders. However, RDW is not specific. Hence, additional information needs to be sought in the various available hematology parameters using state of the art analysis. Here, the current stand of knowledge will be summarized and novel insights into how hematology may serve as individual cardiovascular risk marker will be provided.