A complex and highly conserved set of cellular and molecular processes, inflammation. The carefully controlled process of inflammation, commonly referred to as "the fire inside," is necessary for host defence and tissue regeneration. Inflammation has evolved to help with survival and is generally beneficial. Yet, persistent and chronically activated inflammation can be dangerous, increasing tissue damage and shortening longevity. Maladaptive reactions include atherosclerosis and rheumatologic disease. Atherosclerosis was formerly believed to be a disease of passive cholesterol deposition in the subendothelial zone, despite evidence discovered by Virchow more than a century ago suggesting inflammatory white cells play a part in atherogenesis. The present review aimed to evaluate the contribution of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and other inflammatory markers to cardiovascular disease.