Red Cell Distribution Width and Cardiovascular Outcomes
Red cell distribution width is a demonstrated independent risk factor for events such as cardiovascular mortality, heart failure and cardiovascular disease. This may be because red cell distribution width is linked to increased levels of the protein hsCRP, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. This protein is a marker of inflammation. Due to this link, it is possible that red cell distribution width is causally related to cardiovascular diseases and events. In this study, 2881 patients with chronic coronary syndrome patients who had undergone percutaneous coronary intervention were enrolled. In these patients, it was found that increased red cell distribution width was linked to worse clinical outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention. However, there is little data regarding this link, especially in Asian patients, so further research is required into understanding red cell distribution width as a risk factor.
This review by Moriya S et al aimed to understand the relationship between red cell distribution width and various cardiovascular outcomes, such as heart failure.
Key learnings:
Data on red cell distribution width is easily accessible with standard complete blood cell counts, and may now be used in patients before percutaneous coronary intervention for risk stratification. Further research into this may provide a beneficial outcome and improved management of cardiovascular patients.