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

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 <13 and <12 g/dL, in men and women, respectively), using the normal PP group (PP ≤61 mmHg) as a reference, was significant for the high PP cohort (PP >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.