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Red cell distribution width and carotid atherosclerosis progression. The Tromsø Study
Jostein Lappegård1, Trygve S Ellingsen, Anders Vik
1Jostein Lappegård, K. G.Jebsen Thrombosis Research and Expertise Centre, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway, Tel.: +47 90568257,
Thrombosis and Haemostasis
|January 30, 2015
Summary
Red cell distribution width (RDW) indicates erythrocyte size variability and is linked to cardiovascular disease. Higher RDW levels correlated with increased atherosclerotic plaque progression in a general population study.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Hematology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Red cell distribution width (RDW) is a known predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
- The association between RDW and the progression of atherosclerosis requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between RDW and the progression of atherosclerotic plaques in a general population cohort.
- To determine if RDW predicts changes in carotid plaque area over time.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from 4677 participants in the Tromsø Study (1994/95).
- Assessed carotid plaque prevalence and total plaque area (TPA) via ultrasonography at baseline and after 7 years.
- Employed generalized linear models to analyze TPA changes across RDW tertiles, adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors.
Main Results:
- A significant positive association was observed between RDW tertiles and TPA progression.
- Mean TPA change increased from 5.6 mm² in the lowest RDW tertile to 6.7 mm² in the highest tertile (multivariable analysis).
- A 1% increase in RDW was associated with a 0.6 mm² increase in TPA (p=0.03).
Conclusions:
- RDW is independently associated with the progression of atherosclerosis, even after adjusting for traditional risk factors.
- The findings suggest that atherosclerosis may mediate the link between RDW and cardiovascular outcomes.
- RDW may serve as a valuable biomarker for monitoring atherosclerotic disease progression.