Can anemia affect blood pressure readings?
Disease description:
I had surgery for esophageal cancer and have eaten very little for the past six months. My complete blood count shows anemia. I would like to ask, can anemia affect the accuracy of blood pressure measurements?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Feng
Anemia cannot be measured by blood pressure. Blood pressure measurement only reflects the level of blood pressure and cannot directly determine the presence of anemia.
The diagnosis of anemia requires a complete blood count (CBC) to assess red blood cell count and hemoglobin levels. If the red blood cell count is reduced or hemoglobin levels are decreased, anemia can be diagnosed.
In anemic conditions, the heart may need to exert additional pressure to meet the body's oxygen demands, which could lead to elevated systolic blood pressure. However, this change alone is insufficient as a diagnostic criterion for anemia, as many factors can influence blood pressure levels. Therefore, the diagnosis of anemia should be based on results from a CBC, combined with clinical symptoms and signs of the patient for a comprehensive evaluation.
Clinically, anemia and hypotension may coexist, but this does not mean that anemia directly causes hypotension. Both may be manifestations of underlying conditions, such as chronic diseases, malnutrition, or endocrine disorders. Therefore, if a patient presents with both anemia and abnormal blood pressure, a comprehensive physical examination should be conducted to identify the underlying cause and guide treatment.
