title: Haemoglobin levels correlates with the presence of coronary artery disease.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Although the condition of low haemoglobin (Hb) levels has been established as a risk factor in the development of coronary artery disease (CAD), it is still a debate particularly in patients with angiographically documented disease. In the present study, we sought to identify the relationship between Hb levels and the presence of CAD.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study consisted of 356 consecutive patients referred for elective coronary angiography (CAG). Exclusion criteria included a history of prior MI within last 3 months, presence of neoplastic disorders or any inflammatory diseases or overt diabetes mellitus. Blood samples for haematologic and biochemical measurements were collected on admission following at least 12 hours of overnight fasting. Patients were divided into four groups based on the quartiles of Hb (quartile I < 13.50 g/dL, quartile II 13.50-14.70 g/dL, quartile III 14.71-15.74 g/dL, quartile IV > 15.74 g/dL). Additionally, patients filled out a questionnaire of asking their brief medical histories and baseline characteristics.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Lower Hb quartiles were independently related to the presence of CAD in subjects who were referred to elective CAG. The patients with older age [P = 0.008, odds ratio (OR) = 1.042], male gender (P = 0.007, OR = 3.408), in quartile I (P = 0.003, OR = 5.697), in quartile II (P < 0.001, OR = 8.767), in quartile III (P = 0.011, P = 3.076), higher white blood cells count (P = 0.037, OR = 1.208), lower platelet count (P = 0.049, OR = 0.995), condition of current smoker (P = 0.030, OR = 2.548), higher value of fasting glucose (P = 0.014, OR = 1.038), estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 (mL/min/1.73 m(2) ; P = 0.004, OR = 3.269) were more likely associated with the risk of the presence of CAD.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The present study revealed that lower quartiles of Hb levels were independently related to the presence of CAD in subjects who were referred to elective CAG. Hb levels, which can be measured easily in almost all medical centres, may be considered as a potential predictor for the presence of CAD in patients at high risk for CAD.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine, Primary Care Examination Center, Turkish Military Academy, Ankara, Turkey.
authors.forename: Yusuf C
authors.initials: YC
authors.lastname: Doganer
authors.forename: James E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Rohrer
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine, Gulhane Military Medical Academy, Ankara, Turkey.
authors.forename: Umit
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Aydogan
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
authors.forename: Matthew E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Bernard
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Gulhane Military Medical Academy, Ankara, Turkey.
authors.forename: Cem
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Barcin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015415:Biomarkers; D001786:Blood Glucose; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000097:blood* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D005919:Glomerular Filtration Rate; D006403:Hematologic Tests; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D001786:Blood Glucose; D006454:Hemoglobins
keywords: coronary angiography; coronary artery disease; haemoglobin