Threshold Hemoglobin Levels and Mortality in Coronary Disease
Author Information
Author(s): Anoop D. Shah, Nicholas Owen, Adam D. Timmis, Gene Feder, Keith R. Abrams, Ruoling Chen, Aroon D. Hingorani, Harry Hemingway
Primary Institution: University College London
Hypothesis
Is there a threshold hemoglobin level below which mortality increases in patients with stable coronary disease?
Conclusion
Low hemoglobin concentration is associated with increased mortality in patients with stable coronary disease.
Supporting Evidence
- 29.5% of men with myocardial infarction had hemoglobin below the threshold and had a hazard ratio for mortality of 2.00.
- Women had a lower threshold hemoglobin value than men, but the risk association was similar.
- Patients with stable angina and hemoglobin less than 11 g/dl had a higher mortality rate.
Takeaway
If your blood has too little hemoglobin, it can make you more likely to get very sick or die if you have heart problems.
Methodology
A retrospective cohort study using the UK General Practice Research Database and a systematic review and meta-analysis of previous studies.
Potential Biases
Potential residual confounding and missing data may introduce bias.
Limitations
The study is observational and cannot conclude a causal relationship between hemoglobin concentration and mortality.
Participant Demographics
Patients aged 35 to 90 with stable angina or first myocardial infarction.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 11.5–13.5 for women and 95% CI 13.0–13.4 for men
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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