The neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio in heart failure: a comprehensive review

Abstract

Introduction. Heart failure (HF) and systemic inflammation are interdependent processes that continuously potentiate each other. Distinct pathophysiological pathways are activated, resulting in increased neutrophil count and reduced lymphocyte numbers, making the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) a potential indirect marker of severity. We conducted this comprehensive review to characterize the role of NLR in HF.

Keywords

• neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio
• nlr
• heart failure
• cardiomyopathy
• survival prognosis