The relation between red cell distribution width(RDW) and coronary artery calcium score(CACS) in diabetic patients undergoing coronary CT angiography.

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. During the last century, cardiovascular events have grown rapidly from a relatively minor disease to a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Although, risk factors of cardiovascular disease were over ruled and controlled, and therefore mortalities of cardiovascular diseases were significantly declined over the last 50 years, it has been revealed that the process of declining is slowed down by emerging of several risk factors such as obesity and impaired lifestyle. Recently, computed tomographic angiography (CTA) of coronary arteries has been recognized as a dependable imaging modality to exclude CAD, noninvasively. On the other hand, CT is currently the imaging modality of choice to find and measure the calcified plaques of coronary arteries, aortic valve and aorta plaques. Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is a well-established marker of the total burden of coronary atherosclerosis. Large prospective studies have revealed that higher CAC scores are associated with increased risk of CAD related events and considering CAC score as a CAD risk factor could improve cardiovascular risk stratification. However, the total amount of calcification can be an appreciated marker of the total plaque burden. This burden can be quantified using Agatston score system.