Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 29, 2026

Pulse-Wave Velocity, Flow-Mediated Dilation, and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness to Assess Cardiovascular Risk in Population with Metabolic Syndrome
06:04

Pulse-Wave Velocity, Flow-Mediated Dilation, and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness to Assess Cardiovascular Risk in Population with Metabolic Syndrome

Published on: September 27, 2024

The relationship between inflammation and slow coronary flow: increased red cell distribution width and serum uric

Nihat Kalay1, Metin Aytekin, Mehmet G Kaya

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Medicine Faculty of Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey.

Turk Kardiyoloji Dernegi Arsivi : Turk Kardiyoloji Derneginin Yayin Organidir
|September 16, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Patients with slow coronary flow (SCF) have higher red cell distribution width (RDW) and uric acid levels. These factors may indicate inflammation and help explain the pathophysiology of SCF.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Vascular Biology
  • Inflammation Research

Background:

  • Slow Coronary Flow (SCF) is a condition affecting coronary arteries without significant stenosis, and its underlying mechanisms remain unclear.
  • Increased Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) and elevated serum uric acid levels are associated with inflammatory states and may play a role in cardiovascular conditions.
  • Investigating these markers could provide insights into the pathophysiology of SCF.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) and serum uric acid levels in patients diagnosed with Slow Coronary Flow (SCF).
  • To compare RDW and uric acid levels in patients with SCF and normal coronary arteries against a control group without SCF.
  • To determine if RDW and uric acid are independent predictors of SCF in patients with normal coronary arteries.

Main Methods:

  • The study included 46 patients with angiographically normal coronary arteries and SCF, and a control group of 40 patients with normal coronary arteries and no SCF.
  • Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) and serum uric acid levels were measured in all participants.
  • Statistical analysis, including logistic regression, was used to compare groups and identify independent predictors.

Main Results:

  • Patients with SCF demonstrated significantly higher TIMI frame counts in all three major coronary arteries compared to controls.
  • Significantly elevated RDW (13.4 ± 1.6% vs. 12.6 ± 1.2%) and serum uric acid levels (5.3 ± 1.6 mg/dl vs. 4.7 ± 1.3 mg/dl) were observed in the SCF group.
  • Logistic regression analysis identified uric acid (Exp(B)=1.612) and RDW (Exp(B)=1.496) as independent predictors of SCF.

Conclusions:

  • Patients experiencing Slow Coronary Flow (SCF) exhibit significantly increased levels of Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) and serum uric acid.
  • These findings suggest a potential link between inflammation, indicated by RDW and uric acid, and the development or progression of SCF.
  • Further research into these markers may elucidate the pathophysiological basis of SCF and inform potential therapeutic strategies.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology01:26

Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) originates from a series of events that impair the function of coronary arteries, the blood vessels responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. The pathophysiology of CAD is closely linked to atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory and lipid-driven condition affecting the vascular endothelium.1. Endothelial DamageThe process begins with damage to the vascular endothelium, which serves as a protective barrier between the blood and the vessel...
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
Inflammation01:38

Inflammation

Overview
Myocarditis I: Introduction01:21

Myocarditis I: Introduction

Myocarditis is inflammation of the myocardium, which is the muscular layer of the heart.EtiologyMyocarditis has a diverse etiology, including a wide range of infectious and non-infectious causes:Infectious CausesViral: Common viruses include Coxsackie A and B, adenovirus, parvovirus B19, enteroviruses, and influenza A.Bacterial: Examples include infections caused by Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Mycoplasma species.Rickettsial: Infections like Rocky Mountain spotted fever can result in...
Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) predominantly results from atherosclerosis, which involves the accumulation of fatty deposits, or plaques, within the walls of arteries. This causes them to narrow and harden, significantly reducing blood flow. PAD predominantly affects the legs, particularly the arteries supplying the thighs and calves. In rare cases, it may involve other arteries, including those in the arms.Etiology of PAD:The principal cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, which results from fatty...
Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures01:26

Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures

Effective preventive measures for coronary artery disease (CAD) focus on controlling modifiable risk factors, including cholesterol abnormalities and lifestyle changes.Cholesterol ManagementFirst, the Mediterranean diet and the American Heart Association advocate for maintaining low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 100 mg/dL, with a more stringent recommendation of below 70 mg/dL for individuals at high risk. LDL cholesterol, often termed "bad cholesterol," can lead to the...