Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and in-hospital mortality in patients with acute heart failure.

OBJECTIVES: Previous studies have demonstrated the role of inflammation in acute heart failure. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was found to be a useful inflammatory marker for predicting adverse outcomes. We hypothesized that an elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio would be associated with increased mortality in acute heart failure patients. METHODS: The study cohort consisted of 167 acute heart failure patients with an ejection fraction <50%. The primary endpoint was in-hospital mortality, and the patients were divided into two groups according to in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: In a multivariate regression analysis, including baseline demographic, clinical, and biochemical covariates, the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio remained an independent predictor of mortality (OR 1.156, 95% CI 1.001 - 1.334, p = 0.048). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, an elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio seems to be a predictor of short-term mortality in patients with acute heart failure and a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and in-hospital mortality in patients with acute heart failure

OBJECTIVES: Previous studies have demonstrated the role of inflammation in acute heart failure. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was found to be a useful inflammatory marker for predicting adverse outcomes. We hypothesized that an elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio would be associated with increased mortality in acute heart failure patients. METHODS: The study cohort consisted of 167 acute heart failure patients with an ejection fraction <50%. The primary endpoint was in-hospital mortality, and the patients were divided into two groups according to in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: In a multivariate regression analysis, including baseline demographic, clinical, and biochemical covariates, the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio remained an independent predictor of mortality (OR 1.156, 95% CI 1.001 - 1.334, p = 0.048). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, an elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio seems to be a predictor of short-term mortality in patients with acute heart failure and a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. .

Serum gamma-glutamyl transferase levels and in-hospital mortality in patients with acute heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Acute heart failure (AHF) is a major cause of hospitalisation, morbidity and mortality worldwide. Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) is an enzyme responsible for the extracellular catabolism of antioxidant glutathione and a potential risk indicator of cardiac mortality. Limited data exists on the prognostic value of circulating levels of GGT in patients hospitalized due to AHF. AIM: To study the association between baseline GGT activity and in-hospital mortality in AHF patients. METHODS: The study cohort consisted of 183 AHF patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 50%. The primary endpoint was in-hospital mortality. Patients were divided into two groups according to in-hospital mortality. The relationship between GGT activity and in-hospital mortality was tested using logistic regression models, adjusting for clinical characteristics and echocardiographic findings. RESULTS: After adjustment for possible confounders, GGT level was significantly related (OR 1.056, 95% CI 1.018-1.096, p = 0.04) to in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated GGT activity is an independent predictor of short-term mortality in patients with AHF and reduced LVEF.

Utility of the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio for predicting in-hospital mortality after levosimendan infusion in patients with acute decompensated heart failure.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a levosimendan infusion on hematological variables in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). The predictive value of these variables for in-hospital mortality was also evaluated. METHODS: A total of 553 patients (368 males; mean age, 63.4 ± 14.9 years) with acute exacerbations of advanced heart failure (ejection fraction ≤ 35%) and treated with either dobutamine or levosimendan were included in this retrospective analysis. The patients that received levosimendan therapy were divided into two groups according to in-hospital mortality: group 1 (21%) included patients who died during hospitalization (n=45), while group 2 (79%) included patients with a favorable outcome (n=174) after levosimendan infusion. Changes in several hematological variables between admission and the third day after levosimendan infusion were evaluated. RESULTS: The demographic characteristics and risk factors of the two groups were similar. A comparison of changes in laboratory variables after the infusion of levosimendan revealed significant improvement only in those patients who had not died (group 2) during hospitalization. The neutrophil to lymphocyte (N/L) ratio after levosimendan infusion was an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality (odds ratio: 1.310, 95% CI: 1.158-1.483, p<0.001). In a receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis, a value of 5.542 for the N/L ratio after levosimendan administration was identified as an effective cut-off point for predicting in-hospital mortality (area under the curve=0.737; 95% confidence interval=1100-1301; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Levosimendan treatment was associated with significant changes in hematological variables in patients with ADHF. A sustained higher N/L ratio after levosimendan infusion is associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality in patients with ADHF.

Predictive value of elevated neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio in patients undergoing primary angioplasty for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVES: The neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been investigated as a new predictor for cardiovascular risk. Admission NLR would be predictive of adverse outcomes after primary angioplasty for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). METHODS: A total of 2410 patients with STEMI undergoing primary angioplasty were retrospectively enrolled. The study population was divided into tertiles based on the NLR values. A high NLR (n = 803) was defined as a value in the third tertile (>6.97), and a low NLR (n = 1607) was defined as a value in the lower 2 tertiles (≤6.97). RESULTS: High NLR group had higher incidence of inhospital and long-term cardiovascular mortality (5% vs 1.4%, P < .001; 7% vs 4.8%, P = .02, respectively). High NLR (>6.97) was found as an independent predictor of inhospital cardiovascular mortality (odds ratio: 2.8, 95% confidence interval: 1.37-5.74, P = .005). CONCLUSIONS: High NLR level is associated with increased inhospital and long-term cardiovascular mortality in patients with STEMI undergoing primary angioplasty.

Plasma levels and distribution of gene polymorphisms of factor VII in Turkish population.

Three factor VII (FVII) promoter haplotypes are associated with stratified plasma FVII levels. To our knowledge, this is the first study examining the distribution of FVII gene polymorphism and levels in Turkish population. The study population was classified into 3 groups according to the absence of coronary arterial disease and presence or absence of a history of myocardial infarction. It was found that the levels of FVII coagulant activity (FVIIc) were higher in the event group than that of the other groups. Participants with high FVIIc levels were found to have 2-fold increased risk for myocardial infarction. The alleles at the FVII loci in all cases are similar. In conclusion, our results indicate that FVIIc levels have an important predictive role in cardiovascular events. The distribution of FVII gene polymorphisms in the Turkish population shows significant differences when compared with European populations.

Glomerular filtration rate is associated with burden of coronary atherosclerosis in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

We aimed to elucidate the relationship between mild to moderate renal impairements and burden of atherosclerosis in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). A total of 380 patients with ACS were included in the study. Gensini and SYNTAX scores were also calculated. Kidney function was classified based on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) into stage 1: eGFR >90, stage 2: 60 to 89, and stage 3: 30 to 60 mL/min per 1.73 m(2). Gensini and SYNTAX scores were higher in stages 2 and 3 than in stage 1. Also, the number of diseased vessels, number of critical lesions (>50 and 70%), left main disease, and number of total occlusion vessels were higher in stages 2 and 3 than in stage 1. Multivariate linear regression analysis demonstrated that a decreased eGFR was an independent risk factor for SYNTAX and Gensini scores together with age and male gender.

A new parameter predicting chronic total occlusion of coronary arteries: platelet distribution width.

Platelet distribution width (PDW) measures the variability in platelet size and is a marker of platelet activation. We investigated whether PDW is associated with the extent of coronary artery disease (CAD) and coronary total occlusions (CTOs). We studied 162 patients: 108 had a coronary lesion with a diameter stenosis of ≥50%, the CAD(+) group, and 54 patients had normal coronary anatomy, the CAD(-) group. The CAD(+) group was subdivided into CAD(+) CTO(+) and CAD(+) CTO(-) groups. Among patients with CAD, the CTO(+) group had a significantly greater PDW (%) than the CTO(-) group (16.9 ± 2.8, 15.4 ± 3.0, and 15.4 ± 1.9, respectively; P = .008). In a receiver-operating characteristic analysis, a PDW cut point of 15.7% was identified in patients with CTO(+) (area under curve = 0.64, 95% confidence interval 0.54-0.75). A PDW value of more than 15.7% demonstrated a sensitivity of 64% and a specificity of 66%. The PDW is a simple platelet index that may predict the presence of CTO.

A new prognostic evaluation of patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary angioplasty: combined Zwolle and Syntax score.

BACKGROUND: The Zwolle score (Zs) is a validated risk score used to identify low-risk patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The Syntax score (Ss) is an angiographic score that evaluates the complexity of coronary artery disease. AIM: We aimed to create a simple risk score by combining these two scores for risk stratification in patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI. METHODS: 299 consecutive STEMI patients (mean age 57.4 ± 11.7 years, 240 men) who underwent primary PCI were prospectively enrolled into the present study. The study population was divided into tertiles based on admission Zs and Ss. A high Zs (> 3) and high Ss (> 24) were defined as values in the third tertiles. A low Zs and low Ss were defined as values in the lower two tertiles. Patients were then classified into four groups: high Zs and high Ss (HZsHSs, n = 26), high Zs and low Ss (HZsLSs, n = 29), low Zs and high Ss (LZsHSs, n = 48), and low Zs and low Ss (LZsLSs, n = 196). In-hospital cardiacoutcomes were then recorded. RESULTS: In-hospital cardiovascular mortality was higher in HZsHSs (50%) compared to the HZsLSs (27.5%), LZsHSs (0%), and LZsLSs (0.5%) groups. After adjustment for potentially confounding factors, HZsHSs (OR 77.6, 95% CI 6.69-113.1, p = 0.001), and HZsLSs (OR 28.9, 95% CI 2.77-56.2, p = 0.005) status, but not LZsHSs and LZsLSs status, remained independent predictors of in-hospital cardiovascular mortality. CONCLUSIONS: STEMI patients with HZsHSs represent the highest risk population for in-hospital cardiovascular mortality.

Early assessment of percutaneous coronary interventions for chronic total occlusions analyzed by novel echocardiographic techniques.

OBJECTIVE: Successful revascularization of chronic total occlusions has been associated with improved left ventricular systolic function, reduced anginal symptoms, increased exercise capacity, and increased survival. This study was conducted to determine the impact of revascularization in chronic total occlusion on left ventricular function using novel echocardiographic techniques. METHODS: A total of 129 patients with chronic total occlusion who underwent revascularization between April 2011 and November 2012 were included in this study. Echocardiographic assessments with two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography and real-time three-dimensional echocardiography were performed before the procedure and one month after the procedure. The left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular volumes, and three-dimensional systolic dyssynchrony index were quantified. RESULTS: An immediate procedural success was obtained in 118 patients (91.5%). There were no acute or subacute stent thromboses during follow-up. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction significantly increased (p<0.001), while the left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes significantly decreased (p = 0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). The three-dimensional systolic dyssynchrony index also decreased significantly (p<0.001). The global longitudinal strain showed a significant increase after successful revascularization (p<0.001). An increase in the global longitudinal strain was correlated with an increase in the left ventricular ejection fraction (r = 0.27, p = 0.02). The patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction ≥50% displayed a greater improvement in the global longitudinal strain, and the patients with diabetes showed less improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Using novel echocardiographic techniques, our results showed that restoring the coronary blood flow in chronic total occlusion patients reduces the left ventricular volumes and improves the left ventricular ejection fraction and the global longitudinal strain of hibernating myocardium.

Electrocardiographic and echocardiographic evidence of myocardial impairment in patients with overt hypothyroidism.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to evaluate cardiac function and myocardial contractility in patients with overt hypothyroidism using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) strain imaging and real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) and compare the changes at one month after starting the treatment. We also compared the P wave dispersion (Pdis) in patients with and without hypothyroidism. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Forty-one patients with overt hypothyroidism and forty age- and body mass index-matched healthy subjects underwent conventional echocardiography, RT3DE and 2D-STE for assessment of resting LV function. Electrocardiography (ECG) recordings were obtained and the P wave parameters were calculated. Measurements of RT3DE volumes and ejection fraction (EF) were performed. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) was calculated from 3 standard apical views using 2D-STE. RESULTS: Patients with overt hypothyroidism had significantly longer isovolumic contraction time (P<0.001), deceleration time (P<0.001) and isovolumic relaxation time (P<0.001). On RT3DE evaluation, none of the patients in both groups had LV systolic dysfunction with comparable LVEF and LV volumes. However, speckle tracking analysis showed that GLS was significantly reduced in the overt hypothyroidism group compared to control group (P<0.001). At one month follow-up after the treatment, GLS significantly improved in overt hypothyroidism group (P<0.001). Patients in the overt hypothyroidism group had increased Pdis compared to control group (P=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Overt hypothyroidism may be related to impairment of LV longitudinal myocardial function, and 2D-STE is useful for the detection of early impairment. Successful treatment of overt hypothyroidism has a beneficial effect on cardiac functions. In addition, overt hypothyroidism has increased risk for atrial arrhythmias due to high Pdis value.

Early assessment of percutaneous coronary interventions for chronic total occlusions analyzed by novel echocardiographic techniques

OBJECTIVE: Successful revascularization of chronic total occlusions has been associated with improved left ventricular systolic function, reduced anginal symptoms, increased exercise capacity, and increased survival. This study was conducted to determine the impact of revascularization in chronic total occlusion on left ventricular function using novel echocardiographic techniques. METHODS: A total of 129 patients with chronic total occlusion who underwent revascularization between April 2011 and November 2012 were included in this study. Echocardiographic assessments with two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography and real-time three-dimensional echocardiography were performed before the procedure and one month after the procedure. The left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular volumes, and three-dimensional systolic dyssynchrony index were quantified. RESULTS: An immediate procedural success was obtained in 118 patients (91.5%). There were no acute or subacute stent thromboses during follow-up. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction significantly increased (p<0.001), while the left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes significantly decreased (p = 0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). The three-dimensional systolic dyssynchrony index also decreased significantly (p<0.001). The global longitudinal strain showed a significant increase after successful revascularization (p<0.001). An increase in the global longitudinal strain was correlated with an increase in the left ventricular ejection fraction (r = 0.27, p = 0.02). The patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction ≥50% displayed a greater improvement in the global longitudinal strain, and the patients with diabetes showed less improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Using novel echocardiographic techniques, our results showed that restoring the coronary blood flow in chronic total occlusion patients reduces the left ventricular volumes ...

Subclinical left ventricular dysfunction in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: an observational study.

OBJECTIVE: Cardiac involvement has been increasingly recognized in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Identification of the earliest asymptomatic impairment of left ventricular (LV) performance may be important in preventing progression to overt heart failure. Our aim was to investigate LV function with different echocardiographic techniques in patients with PCOS. METHODS: Thirty patients with PCOS and 30 age and body mass index matched healthy subjects were enrolled to this cross-sectional observational study. All subjects underwent echocardiography for assessment of resting LV function as well as two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) and real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (3D-Echo). Global longitudinal strain (GLS) was calculated from 3 standard apical views using 2D-STE. Student t-test, chi-square test, Pearson's, and Spearman's correlation analysis were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The early mitral inflow deceleration time (DT), isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT) and E/Em ratio were increased in the PCOS group (p<0.05 for all). Waist-to-hip ratio, fasting insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were higher in PCOS group (p<0.05 for all). Significant correlation was observed between DT, IVRT and insulin value, HOMA-IR (p<0.05 for all). On 3D-Echo evaluation, none of the patients in both groups had LV systolic dysfunction with comparable LV ejection fraction and LV volumes. 2D-STE showed that GLS was significantly reduced in the PCOS group compared to control group (-16.78 ± 0.56% vs. -18.36 ± 1.04%, p<0.001). The GLS was found to be negatively correlated with waist-to-hip ratio and LDL values (p<0.05 for all). CONCLUSION: These results indicate that PCOS may be related to impaired LV systolic function detected by 2D-STE. In addition, PCOS may lead to diastolic dysfunction. Reduced GLS might be an early indicator of cardiac involvement in this patient population.

Is postdilatation with a noncompliant balloon necessary after coronary stent deployment during primary angioplasty?

BACKGROUND: Postdilatation (PD) with noncompliant balloon during elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is performed usually in clinical practice in order to optimize stent expansion. However, current knowledge about its use in patients undergoing primary PCI is controversial. This study aims to evaluate the angiographical and clinical results of PD in patients who underwent primary PCI with drug eluting stents (DESs). METHODS: A total of 405 consecutive patients (mean age 56.9 ± 12.3 years; 302 male) with ST elevation myocardial infarction were evaluated retrospectively. Patients received DES with or without predilatation according to physician's discretion. Eligible patients were divided into 2 groups based on PD procedure. The clinical end-points were death, target vessel revascularization (TVR) and stent thrombosis at 6 months after PCI. The angiographic end-points were postprocedural correct Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) frame count (cTFC), final TIMI flow, and myocardial blush grade (MBG). RESULTS: PD was performed in 214 patients (52.8%). Angiographical parameters such as TIMI flow, cTFC, and MBG did not differ after PD (P>0.05). During 6-month follow-up, TVR and stent thrombosis rates were lower in the PD group (6 vs. 16, P=0.03; and 3 vs. 10, P=0.04, respectively). PD and diabetes were detected as independent predictors of MACE (ß=0.52, P=0.01, and ß=-0.47, P=0.02; respectively). CONCLUSION: Our study revealed that PD does not yield adverse effects on final angiographic parameters when performed during primary PCI. Besides PD seems to decrease probability of stent thrombosis and TVR.

Short-term effect of percutaneous recanalization of chronic total occlusions on QT dispersion and heart rate variability parameters.

BACKGROUND: QT dispersion (QTd), which is a measure of inhomogeneity of myocardial repolarization, increases following impaired myocardial perfusion. Its prolongation may provide a suitable substrate for life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. We investigated the changes in QTd and heart rate variability (HRV) parameters after successful coronary artery revascularization in a patient with chronic total occlusions (CTO). MATERIAL/METHODS: This study included 139 successfully revascularized CTO patients (118 men, 21 women, mean age 58.3±9.6 years). QTd was measured from a 12-lead electrocardiogram and was defined as the difference between maximum and minimum QT interval. HRV analyses of all subjects were obtained. Frequency domain (LF: HF) and time domain (SDNN, pNN50, and rMSSD) parameters were analyzed. QT intervals were also corrected for heart rate using Bazett's formula, and the corrected QT interval dispersion (QTcd) was then calculated. All measurements were made before and after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). RESULTS: Both QTd and QTcd showed significant improvement following successful revascularization of CTO (55.83±14.79 to 38.87±11.69; p<0.001 and 61.02±16.28 to 42.92±13.41; p<0.001). The revascularization of LAD (n=38), Cx (n=28) and RCA (n=73) resulted in decrease in HRV indices, including SDDN, rMSSD, and pNN50, but none of the variables reached statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Successful revascularization of CTO may result in improvement in regional heterogeneity of myocardial repolarization, evidenced as decreased QTcd after the PCI. The revascularization in CTO lesions does not seem to have a significant impact on HRV.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is associated with P-wave prolongation and increased P-wave dispersion.

BACKGROUND: The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with various cardiac manifestations including cardiac arrhythmias. P-wave dispersion (Pdis) is an appealing marker for predicting the risk of developing atrial arrhythmias. The purpose of this study was to evaluate P-wave durations and Pdis in patients with PCOS. METHODS: Forty adult patients with PCOS and 46 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals were included in this study. P-wave maximum duration (Pmax) and P-wave minimum duration (Pmin) were calculated on the 12-lead electrocardiogram, and the difference between the Pmax and the Pmin was defined as Pdis. All individuals also underwent transthoracic echocardiographic evaluation. RESULTS: Pmax and Pdis were significantly higher in patients with PCOS compared with controls (p = 0.007, p < 0.001, respectively). There was no difference in Pmin duration between both the groups (p = 0.2). Waist-to-hip ratio, insulin and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were higher in the PCOS group. Early mitral inflow deceleration time (DT) (p < 0.001) and isovolumetric relaxation time (p = 0.003) were longer in PCOS group. Waist-to-hip ratio, DT, E/A ratio and diastolic blood pressure correlated with Pdis. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with PCOS have prolonged Pmax and Pdis. The increase in those parameters may be an indicator for identification of patients at increased risk of atrial fibrillation.

Effect of estimated glomerular filtration rate on periprocedural myocardial infarction in patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUNDS: Little is known about the effect of the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) on the periprocedural myocardial infarction (PMI). The aim of this study was to determine an eGFR value that is related with PMI development in patients with stable angina undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHOD: A retrospective analysis was conducted of 257 consecutive PCI patients with stable angina pectoris. The patients were divided into three groups according to eGFR: Group 1: eGFR > 90 mL/min/1.73 m(2), Group 2: eGFR = 60-89 mL/min/1.73 m(2), and Group 3: eGFR = 30-59 mL/min/1.73 m(2). Cardiac biomarkers were measured before, at 8, and at 24 h after the procedure. RESULTS: Periprocedural myocardial infarction occurred in 19% of the study patients. The frequency of PMI was 13.8% in group 1, 15.2% in group 2, and 35% in group 3 (p = 0.002). There was an inverse relationship with increasing cardiac biomarkers and decreasing eGFR values. Multiple regression analysis showed that an eGFR value between 30 and 59 mL/min/1.73 m(2) was an independent variable that significantly affected PMI development after PCI. CONCLUSIONS: An estimated glomerular filtration rate between 30 and 59 mL/min/1.73 m(2) is a predictor of developing PMI after elective PCI in patients with stable angina pectoris.

Relation between mean platelet volume and severity of atherosclerosis in patients with acute coronary syndromes.

Platelets play a central role in the pathophysiology of coronary artery disease (CAD). Increased mean platelet volume (MPV) is an indicator of platelet function and associated with poor clinical outcome in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We evaluated the relationship between MPV and severity of CAD in patients with ACS. A total of 395 patients with ACS were included. Severity of CAD was assessed with the Gensini and Syntax scores. High levels of MPV were associated with the Gensini and Syntax scores, number of diseased vessels (>50%), number of critical lesions (>50% and >70%), and noncritical lesions. After multivariate analysis, high levels of MPV were independent predictors of multivessel CAD together with age. In patients with ACS, high MPV levels were associated with severity of CAD. It is possible that MPV can be a helpful marker in patients with CAD for the severity of coronary atherosclerosis.

Red cell distribution width predicts new-onset atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass grafting.

INTRODUCTION: Red cell distribution width (RDW) has been associated with poor outcomes in patients with cardiovascular diseases. However, little is known about the role of RDW in prediction of new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). We aimed to investigate the relation between the RDW and postoperative AF in patients undergoing CABG. METHODS: A total of 132 patients undergoing nonemergency CABG were included in the study. Patients with previous atrial arrhythmia or requiring concomitant valve surgery were excluded. We retrospectively analyzed 132 consecutive patients (mean age, 60.55 ± 9.5 years; 99 male and 33 female). The RDW level was determined preoperatively and on postoperative Day 1. RESULTS: Preoperative RDW levels were significantly higher in patients who developed AF than in those who did not (13.9 ± 1.4 vs. 13.3 ± 1.2, p = 0.03). There was not any correlation between postoperative RDW levels and AF. Using a cutpoint of 13.45, the preoperative level correlated with the incidence of AF with a sensitivity of 61% and specificity of 60%. CONCLUSION: Preoperative RDW level predicts new-onset AF after CABG in patients without histories of AF.