Metabolic syndrome and hemoglobin levels in elderly adults: the Invecchiare in Chianti Study

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and hemoglobin levels in older adults.

Design: The Invecchiare in Chianti (InCHIANTI) Study, a cohort study with a 6-year follow-up.

Setting: Tuscany, Italy.

Participants: Adults aged 65 and older (N = 1,036).

Measurements: MetS was diagnosed according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. The adjusted association between baseline hemoglobin and MetS was assessed using multivariable linear regression with hemoglobin as a continuous variable and using logistic regression with median hemoglobin level as the reference. Logistic regression was also performed with any incident decline in hemoglobin levels as the dependent variable.

Results: MetS was diagnosed in 263 (25%) participants. At baseline, MetS was associated with higher hemoglobin levels (B = 0.18, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.03-0.33, P = .02) and with hemoglobin levels above the median value (odds ratio (OR) = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.17-2.32, P = .004) after adjusting. After 6 years, MetS was associated with lower adjusted probability of lower hemoglobin levels (OR = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.15-0.79, P = .012) but only in the oldest tertile of participants.

Conclusion: MetS is associated with higher hemoglobin levels in older subjects and with lower probability of hemoglobin loss over 6 years in those in the oldest age group.