Elevated Red Blood Cell Distribution Width is Associated with Isolated Systolic Hypertension

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between isolated systolic hypertension and red blood cell distribution width (RDW). Patients and Methods: Eighty-one patients were included in the study. Blood pressure was measured by a cardiologist using a manual sphygmomanometer, and the patients were divided into 2 groups as isolated systolic hypertensive and normotensive based on the European Society of Hypertension classification. Complete blood counts (CBC) and biochemical values of each patient were measured using standard methods. Results: There was significant difference between the mean RDW values of the isolated systolic hypertensive and the normotensive groups. While there was a strong association between high RDW values and isolated systolic hypertension, there were no significant differences between the 2 groups for any of the other measured laboratory values. Conclusion: High RDW value appears to be a strong and independent predictor of isolated systolic hypertension.