Last updated on 16th Oct 2021 - By Dwayne Michaels

How Abnormal RDW affects heart?

To help predicting the risk of both development and progression of heart failure, the current epidemiological and biological evidence suggests that longitudinal assessment of RDW over time may be considered an efficient measure.

Red cell distribution width (RDW) is one of the numbers or blood cell indices that is included as part of a complete blood count (CBC), and describes the variation in the size of red blood cells in a sample of blood.

RDW is elevated in accordance with variation in red cell size, ie, when elevated RDW is reported on complete blood count, marked anisocytosis is expected on peripheral blood smear review.

Problems with hemoglobin can affect the flow of oxygen throughout the body, as can the size, shape, and health of red blood cells. This can result in a range of health problems.

RDW test results may be higher if more cells are larger or smaller than normal. This can suggest the presence of an underlying condition. However, not all conditions affect RDW.

High RDW :

• High RDW may be a result of the presence of fragments, groups of agglutination, and/or abnormal shape of red blood cells.
• Mixed-deficiency anemia usually presents with high RDW and variable MCV.
• Iron-deficiency anemia usually presents with high RDW and low MCV.
• A false high RDW reading can occur if EDTA anticoagulated blood is used instead of citrated blood.
• Recent hemorrhages typically present with high RDW and normal MCV.
• Folate and vitamin B12 deficiency anemia usually presents with high RDW and high MCV.

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There are times when physicians may specifically look at the value of RDW:

• to have an idea when further blood tests are needed
• as an adjunct in estimating disease risk or defining prognosis
• to screen for early iron deficiency in pregnant women before anemia occurs
• to screen for early vitamin B12 and folate deficiency before other signs are noted in the blood
• with symptoms of anemia, such as lightheadedness or fatigue
• to help diagnose the causes of anemia
• to screen people who have a history of a red blood cell condition such as thalassemia
• with heart disease

A normal range for red cell distribution width is 12.2 to 16.1 percent in adult females and 11.8 to 14.5 percent in adult males. If you score outside this range, you could have a nutrient deficiency, infection, or other disorder.

There is very little risk to a blood test. You may have slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly.