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Relationship Between Hemoglobin and Blood Pressure Levels in the Context of Chronic Morbidity Among Older Adults Residing in a Developing Country: A Community-Level Comparative Cross-Sectional Study

Tandra Ghosh, Tanveer Rehman, Farhad Ahamed

Cureus, 2021

187 participants · 12 citations

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this study is to assess the association between hemoglobin (Hb) and blood pressure (BP) levels among community-dwelling older adults. Materials and Methods: This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in April 2021 in West Bengal, India. Individuals who are receiving treatment for hypertension, or had a history of blood transfusion, or had a history of intake of iron and vitamins were excluded from the study. A total of 81 and 106 individuals were recruited in “Group 1” (no self-reported comorbidity) and “Group 2” (self-reported comorbidity present), respectively. Results: The mean (SD) age of the participants (n = 187) was 67.4 (7.4) years; 54% (n = 101) were males; and 45.4% (n = 85) were obese. We found a significant association of Hb level with systolic blood pressure (SBP) (r = 0.22, p = 0.04) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) (r = 0.22, p = 0.04) in “Group 1”. The quantum of increases in SBP, diastolic blood pressure (DBP), pulse pressure (PP), and MAP with one gram/dl change in Hb level were 3.24 (95% CI: -0.75 to 7.24) mmHg, 1.17 (95% CI: -0.84 to 3.20) mmHg, 2.06 (95% CI: -0.67 to 4.81) mmHg, and 1.87 (95% CI: -0.65 to 4.39) mmHg, respectively, in “Group 1” after adjustment for age, gender, and body mass index. The findings were inconsistent in “Group 2”, and the changes in Hb level were 0.5 (95% CI: -3.77 to 2.77) mmHg, 0.92 (95% CI: -0.72 to 2.75) mmHg, -1.42 (95% CI: -4.09 to 1.24) mmHg, and 0.45 (95% CI: -1.05 to 2.40) mmHg,…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause. Reported size: 187 participants or records.

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