The Association Between Objectively Measured Sedentary Behavior and Red Blood Cell Distribution Width in A National Sample of US Adults

Extract

Red blood cell distribution width (RDW), an indicator of anisocytosis, is a novel biomarker of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality (1). Although findings are inconclusive, the pathophysiology linking RDW with morbidity/mortality may pertain to inflammation and/or disordered iron homeostasis (2). Consequently, identification of modifiable behaviors for prevention of unequal RDW, particularly in the general population, is needed.

Emerging research demonstrates that sedentary behavior (SB), even independently of physical activity, is predictive of CVD and premature mortality (3). Although results have been inconclusive, potential mechanisms for explaining this relationship include SB-induced inflammation and modulation of metabolic risk (4). Consequently, it is plausible to suggest that SB may be related to CVD and mortality via SB-induced anisocytosis. However, to our knowledge, no study has yet examined the association between SB and RDW. Identification of such an association may help to delineate a potential mechanism through which SB may influence CVD. Therefore, we decided to evaluate this possible association.