Alterations in Coagulation and Hematological Parameters in Coronary Artery Disease: A Case–Control Study in Owerri, Nigeria
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Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is increasingly recognized as a multifactorial condition involving interactions between coagulation pathways, hematological parameters, and systemic inflammation. Routine laboratory indices such as activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), red blood cell (RBC) count, and white blood cell (WBC) count may provide accessible insights into these processes, particularly in resource-limited settings. This study aimed to evaluate APTT, RBC count, and WBC count in patients with CAD in Owerri, Nigeria, and compare them with apparently healthy controls.
Methods: A hospital-based case–control study was conducted involving 100 participants (50 CAD patients and 50 controls). Venous blood samples were collected and analyzed using standard laboratory methods. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 26.0. Continuous variables were compared using independent samples t-test, and associations were assessed using Pearson’s correlation. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results: APTT was significantly prolonged in CAD patients compared with controls. RBC count was significantly reduced, while WBC count was significantly elevated. A modest inverse correlation was observed between RBC and WBC, while the association between APTT and WBC did not reach statistical significance. Sex-based analysis revealed a significant difference in RBC count, but not in APTT or WBC.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that CAD is associated with concurrent alterations in coagulation and hematological parameters, reflecting a possible thrombo-inflammatory profile. APTT, RBC count, and WBC count may serve as accessible adjunct markers in CAD assessment, although their clinical utility should be interpreted cautiously.
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