The association between red cell distribution width, erythropoietin levels, and coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Red cell distribution width (RDW) is a cardiac marker for risk stratification and prognostic evaluation of coronary artery disease (CAD); however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Erythropoietin (EPO), a crucial factor affecting erythropoiesis, has been reported to be a protective molecule regulating the process of myocardial ischemia and relevant damage. No study has as yet reported the relationship between RDW and endogenous EPO in CAD patients. This cross-sectional study aimed to establish the association between endogenous EPO levels and increases in RDW in CAD patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two hundred participants who underwent coronary arteriography were recruited from July 2015 to October 2015. The participants were divided into CAD and non-CAD groups on the basis of angiography diagnosis. Demographic data were obtained through personal interviews and general clinical methods.

RESULTS: RDW and EPO levels in the CAD group were higher than those in the non-CAD group. The correlation between RDW and EPO levels was statistically significant among CAD patients (r=0.411, P<0.001). The increases in EPO and RDW were related to the prevalence of CAD. The levels of RDW were correlated to endogenous EPO levels in CAD patients.

CONCLUSION: Increased EPO and RDW might be risk factors for CAD. Endogenous EPO levels are associated with increases in RDW in CAD patients.