Background: Increased red cell distribution width (RDW) can predict the incidence and mortality of cardiovascular diseases. However, there are limited data on the relationship between RDW and altitude and the subtype of atrial fibrillation (AF). We investigated the effects of altitude on RDW in patients with different types of AF.
Methods: A total of 303 patients with nonvalvular AF were included. Of these, 156 lived in low altitude (77 paroxysmal AF, PAF; 79 persistent AF, PeAF) and 147 in high altitude (77 paroxysmal AF, PAF; 70 persistent AF, PeAF). In these groups, baseline characteristics, complete blood counts, serum biochemistry, and echocardiography were evaluated. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the independent predictors of AF at the different altitudes.
Results: In both low and high altitudes, RDW and left atrial diameter (LAD) were higher in AF than control subjects (P < 0.05) and higher in persistent AF than paroxysmal AF (P < 0.05). Compared with any groups (PAF group, PeAF group, or control group) of low-altitude, RDW and LAD were found higher in high-altitude corresponding groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that RDW, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and LAD levels independently associated with AF patients in low altitude (RDW, OR 1.687, 95% CI 1.021-2.789; P < 0.05), while in high altitude, RDW, MCV, creatinine (Cr), and LAD were independent predictors for AF patients (RDW, OR 1.755, 95% CI 1.179-2.613; P < 0.05).
Conclusion: Elevated RDW levels may be an independent risk marker for nonvalvular AF, affected by type of AF and altitude.