A positive association between RDW and coronary heart disease in the rheumatoid arthritis population: A cross-sectional study from NHANES

Previous research has indicated that higher red blood cell distribution width (RDW) increases the risk of coronary heart disease. However, no studies have established a link between RDW and coronary heart disease in the rheumatoid arthritis population. This research aims to explore the association between RDW and coronary heart disease among individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. We selected demographic data, laboratory data, lifestyle, and medical history from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), specifically including age, gender, poverty, RDW, race, BMI, diabetes, education, coronary heart disease, hypertension, cholesterol, smoking, and drinking. RDW and coronary heart disease were found to have a positive association in the rheumatoid arthritis population (OR = 1.145, 95%CI: 1.036–1.266, P = .0098), even after adjusting for factors such as age, gender, race, education level, smoking, and drinking. Subgroup analysis showed a stronger positive association, particularly in individuals aged 55–66 years, males, and the Hispanic White population with diabetes or hypercholesterolemia. There is a significant correlation between RDW and coronary heart disease among individuals with rheumatoid arthritis.