Correlation Between Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels in Patients With Coronary Heart Disease

Coronary heart disease (CHD) remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide and is primarily driven by atherosclerosis, a pathological process in which dyslipidemia and chronic inflammation play central roles. Elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is a well-established risk factor for atherogenesis, contributing to lipid accumulation within the arterial wall and subsequent plaque formation. In parallel, inflammatory mechanisms are critically involved in plaque progression and instability, underscoring the importance of inflammatory biomarkers in cardiovascular research. The platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) has emerged as a simple and cost-effective hematological marker that reflects systemic inflammation and prothrombotic activity. Several studies have reported an association between elevated PLR and adverse cardiovascular outcomes. However, the relationship between PLR and lipid parameters, particularly LDL cholesterol, remains unclear. Previous findings have been inconsistent, and limited evidence is available regarding this association in patients with stable and medically treated CHD. Given these uncertainties, further investigation is warranted to clarify the relationship between inflammatory markers and lipid profiles in stable CHD populations. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the correlation between the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio and LDL cholesterol levels in patients with stable coronary heart disease.