The Highs and Lows of White Blood Cells

White blood cells (WBCs) are vital for the immune system, protecting the body against infections and injuries. However, an acute increase in WBCs could indicate an active infection or an inflammatory response linked to conditions such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Higher WBC counts have also been associated with increased inflammation, obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome.

A low WBC count is associated with radiation, chemotherapy, autoimmunity, malnutrition, and certain medications. A dramatic decrease in WBCs may suggest bone marrow failure, compromising immunity and potentially leading to a systemic infection.

Consequently, maintaining an optimal WBC count is crucial as it not only helps prevent various health conditions but also indicates the overall immune health and cardiometabolic risk of an individual.

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