Coronary artery disease detected by coronary computed tomography angiography is associated with red cell distribution

Emir Karaçağlar1, Uğur Bal2, Senem Hasırcı2

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Başkent University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey. dremirkaracaglar@hotmail.com.

Insights

Higher red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is linked to coronary artery disease (CAD). This study found elevated RDW independently predicts CAD detected by coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) in patients without prior diagnosis.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Medical Diagnostics

Background:

  • Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is an indicator of erythrocyte size variation.
  • Elevated RDW has been associated with the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To retrospectively investigate the association between CAD diagnosed via coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and RDW levels.
  • To determine if RDW is an independent predictor of CAD in patients presenting with angina-like chest pain.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 291 patients who underwent 16-slice CCTA for chest pain evaluation.
  • Exclusion criteria were applied to refine the study cohort.
  • Clinical data, CAD risk factors, and RDW values were collected and analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Patients with CAD exhibited significantly higher RDW levels compared to those with normal coronary arteries (15.50±1.57 vs. 14.80±1.41, p=0.001).
  • Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and smoking history were more prevalent in the CAD group.
  • Multivariate analysis identified RDW (OR: 1.352), age (OR: 1.063), and smoking history (OR: 2.672) as independent predictors of CAD detected by CCTA.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated RDW is independently associated with the presence of CAD diagnosed by CCTA in patients without a known history of the disease.
  • Further research is recommended to elucidate the precise role of RDW in cardiovascular risk stratification.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

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...
1.4K
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT01:25

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT

Calcium-Scoring CT ScanA calcium-scoring CT scan, also known as coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan, detects calcium deposits in the coronary arteries. This test assesses the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to cardiovascular events such as angina, heart failure, and sudden cardiac arrest.A calcium-scoring CT scan is generally recommended for individuals at intermediate risk of CAD without symptoms. It includes:Men aged 40-75 and women aged 50-75: Especially those with a...
687
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
362
Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations01:30

Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a primary health risk worldwide, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The condition arises from the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques within the coronary arteries, resulting in diminished blood supply to the heart muscle.The clinical manifestations of CAD vary widely, from asymptomatic stages to severe, life-threatening conditions. Understanding these manifestations is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management.Angina Pectoris: The Warning...
505
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray01:20

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray

The most common cardiovascular diagnostic test is an X-ray. It produces images of the heart, blood vessels, and adjacent structures.
Definition and Purpose
An X-ray, or radiograph, is a non-invasive method that uses ionizing radiation to take images of internal structures. It is mainly used in cardiac imaging to examine the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels, aiming to identify abnormalities in the heart's size, shape, and position, such as heart failure, congenital defects, and vascular...
564
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT01:28

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT

Cardiac computed tomography (CT) scanning is an advanced cardiac imaging technique that utilizes CT technology, with or without intravenous (IV) contrast, to produce accurate cross-sectional virtual slices of specific areas of the heart, coronary circulation, and major blood vessels such as the aorta, pulmonary veins, and arteries. The computer processes these slices to generate three-dimensional images. Multidetector CT (MDCT) is a rapid form of CT scanning that captures multiple slices...
486