Year: 2026 | Month: April | Volume: 16 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 34-40
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20260405
Impact of Reduced Oxygen Carrying Capacity on Hypertension: A Comparative Study of Hemoglobin and Hematocrit Levels in Hypertensive and Normotensive Individuals
Shweta D Somwanshi1, Sangita R Phatale2
1JR3, Department of Physiology, MGM Medical College & Hospital. Chh. Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra, India
2Professor & HOD, Department of Physiology, MGM Medical College & Hospital. Chh. Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra, India
(Affiliated to MGM Institute of Health Sciences, Navi Mumbai)
Corresponding Author: Dr. Sangita R Phatale
ABSTRACT
Background: Hypertension is a leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. While the role of neurohumoral and vascular mechanisms in hypertension is well established, the contribution of oxygen-carrying capacity—reflected by hemoglobin and hematocrit levels—remains underexplored. Alterations in these parameters can influence blood viscosity, vascular resistance, and tissue oxygenation, thereby affecting cardiovascular regulation. This study aimed to assess hemoglobin and hematocrit levels in hypertensive and normotensive individuals and evaluate their relationship with blood pressure.
Methodology: A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted on 80 adults aged 25–60 years, including 40 hypertensive and 40 normotensive participants matched for age and sex. Blood pressure was measured using a mercury sphygmomanometer after adequate rest, and venous blood samples were analyzed for hemoglobin (g/dL), hematocrit (%), and red blood cell (RBC) count using an automated hematology analyzer. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS v25.0. Independent t-tests compared group means, Pearson’s correlation assessed associations, and multiple regression determined independent predictors of blood pressure. A p-value < 0.05 was considered significant.
Results: Hypertensive individuals exhibited significantly lower hemoglobin (13.21 ± 1.09 g/dL vs 14.13 ± 0.94 g/dL, p = 0.003) and hematocrit (39.5 ± 3.4 % vs 42.0 ± 3.0 %, p = 0.012) compared to normotensives. Within the hypertensive group, hemoglobin and hematocrit showed moderate positive correlations with systolic and diastolic pressures (r = 0.38–0.43, p < 0.05). Regression analysis identified hemoglobin (β = 0.36, p = 0.006) and hematocrit (β = 0.29, p = 0.018) as independent predictors of systolic pressure (R² = 0.42).
Conclusion: The coexistence of lower mean hemoglobin and hematocrit in hypertensive individuals, along with a positive intra-group correlation with blood pressure, indicates a complex interplay between oxygen-carrying capacity and cardiovascular regulation. Both reduced oxygen transport and increased blood viscosity may contribute to altered hemodynamics in hypertension. Routine assessment of hematological indices could enhance understanding and management of hypertensive patients.
Key words: Hypertension; Hemoglobin; Hematocrit; Blood viscosity; Cardiovascular regulation