The relationship between anemia and pulse pressure and hypertension: The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2010–2012

Abstract

The present study was conducted to assess the relationship between anemia and pulse pressure (PP) and hypertension (HTN). Data from 16,060 adults (aged ≥20 years) in the fifth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2010–2012) were analyzed. Several key findings were identified. First, after adjusting for related variables, the odds ratio (OR) of anemia (hemoglobin 61 mmHg; OR, 1.517; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.270–1.812). Second, after adjusting for related variables (except body mass index [BMI] and waist measurement [WM]), the OR of anemia, with a normal blood pressure group as a reference, was significant for the HTN group (systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg or use of HTN medications; OR, 0.835; 95% CI, 0.709–0.983). However, when further adjusted for BMI and WM, anemia was not associated with HTN (OR, 0.884; 95% CI, 0.750–1.042). In conclusion, anemia was positively associated with high PP, but was not associated with HTN.

Keywords

• anemia
• hemoglobin
• hematocrit
• pulse pressure
• hypertension