Along with its extensive use in diagnostic haematology, RDW has been associated with the presence and complications of a wide variety of human pathologies, including cardiovascular disease, over the past decade.13 Although the link between RDW and cardiovascular diseases has not been fully defined, previous studies have shown that RDW correlates with markers of chronic inflammation (such as IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, IL-17, IL-18, interferon and TNF).15 The gene discussed is TNF; the disease is cardiovascular disorder.