Anemia in men and women aged ≥55 years: associations with cardiovascular risk factors, comorbidity, and mortality risk

Abstract

Aim . To evaluate the associations of anemia with various cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, comorbidity, and mortality risk in individuals aged ≥55, depending on gender. Material and methods . The analysis included data from the prospective cohort study "Stress, Aging and Health Study in Russia" (SAHR), conducted in 2007-2011. A sample of 1876 individuals aged 55 years or older was examined, including a survey and paraclinical tests. Anemia was defined as a blood hemoglobin level <130 g/L in men and <120 g/L in women. Endpoints were collected in 2024. During the entire follow-up period (median, 13 years), there were 928 all-cause deaths, 492 of whom due to CVD. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA 14.0. Results . The prevalence of anemia was 13,2% (14,6% among men and 11,6% among women). According to regression analysis, anemia was associated with older age and cancer (only in men). Hypercholesterolemia and obesity (only in women) were associated with a lower likelihood of anemia. In the male population, anemia increased the risk of all-cause mortality by 58%, and in women by 71%, while the risk of CVD mortality increased by 39% and 58%, respectively. Similar associations between anemia and the risk of all-cause and CVD mortality persisted in the study group of participants with CVD, regardless of sex. Conclusion . Anemia in individuals 55 years and older significantly increases the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in both men and women. Older age and cancer (in men only) were found to significantly increase the likelihood of anemia, while hypercholesterolemia and obesity (in women only) were associated with a lower likelihood of its presence.