Abstract: AIM To study the correlation between red blood cell distribution width( RDW) and pulse wave velocity( PWV) in patients with coronary artery disease( CAD). METHODS One hundred and seventy-four patients with CAD( CAD group) and 94 healthy subjects( control group) were enrolled.The 174 patients were divided into four groups according to quartiles of RDW: lowest RDW quartile group( group A,n = 28),lower RDW quartile group( group B,n = 21),high RDW quartile group( group C,n = 26) and highest RDW quartile group( group D,n = 12). General clinical information and cardiovascular disease risk factors were examined and serum lipid,creatinine,white blood cells,blood uric acid and ba PWV were measured. RESULTS Serum RDW and ba PWV level in CAD group were obviously higher than those in control group ( 13. 1 ± 0. 8) % vs.( 14. 2 ± 0. 6) %,( 1856 ± 392) cm / s vs.( 2029± 649) cm / s,P < 0. 05. From group A to group D,ba PWV gradually increased ( 1945. 5 ± 525. 3),( 1973. 5 ± 598. 4),( 2020. 7 ± 650. 9) and( 2616. 3 ± 695. 6) cm/s and a statistically significant difference was found between group D and the other three groups( P < 0. 05). Analysis showed that RDW and ba PWV( r = 0. 236,P < 0. 05) and age( r = 0. 220,P < 0. 05) were positively correlated.Multiple linear stepwise regression analysis showed that RDW was the independent risk factor for ba PWV( B = 602. 52,P < 0. 01). CONCLUSION RDW and ba PWV levels increase significantly in CAD patients and RDW is associated with ba PWV. Patients with increased RDW have increased arteriosclerosis.