Red blood cell heterogeneity (RDW) as a risk factor for thrombotic complications of atherosclerosis - studies on the mechanism of action

Increased anisocytosis of erythrocytes expressed by the parameter: red blood celldistribution width (RDW) is associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction and stroke. It is also an unfavorable prognostic factor after stroke, myocardial infarction, in patients with diabetes or chronic ischemia of the lower limbs. The aim of the project is to determine whether erythrocyte heterogeneity is only a new indicator of atherosclerosis and a prognostic factor for its complications, or whether it is a new factor in the remodeling of the vessel wall. The study also aims to identify the mechanisms by which erythrocyte anisocytosis affects the development of atherosclerosis. The implementation of the project will allow the identification of new indicators that can be used in the future to assess the risk of atherosclerosis. It will also enable the development of potential new therapeutic methods. Most scientists see the phenomenon of anisocytosis associated with generalized inflammation as a prognostic factor for these pathological conditions. Our hypothesis is that the phenomenon of anisocytosis is a predictor of the aforementioned cardiovascular dysfunctions. Its validity will be checked as part of the project.