Elevated Hypertension Risk among Mexican Patients with Hemophilia.

Abstract

Introduction: Epidemiological evidence suggests that people with hemophilia (PWH) have a higher prevalence of comorbidities compared to the general population. However, the incidence and risk of comorbidities, particularly hypertension, among Mexican PWH remain underexplored.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study on adult PWH at a major hemophilia treatment center in Mexico. The objective was to determine the prevalence of comorbidities, with a focus on hypertension, by comparing PWH to a control group and assessing the impact of hemophilia severity.

Results: A total of 223 PWH were evaluated. Patients with mild hemophilia had a higher likelihood of being overweight (OR 2.77, 95% CI: 1.397-5.496), those with moderate hemophilia also had a higher likelihood of being overweight (OR 2.42, 95% CI: 1.129-5.189), and those with severe hemophilia showed an increased risk of hypertension (OR 1.46, 95% CI: 1.006-2.119). A simple linear regression analysis revealed a weak association between coagulation factor activity and body mass index (p = 0.235, R² = 0.006).

Discussion: The increased odds of hypertension in severe hemophilia and the lack of age as a significant confounder support the hypothesis that hemophilia-specific factors contribute to this elevated risk. The existing literature suggests that chronic inflammation stemming from recurrent joint bleeds and subsequent arthropathy can lead to vascular changes. Recent evidence of elevated pro-inflammatory markers in PWH further strengthens this link, indicating a systemic inflammatory state that extends beyond the joints and may impact cardiovascular regulation.

Conclusion: This first retrospective cross-sectional study on Mexican PWH supports findings from other populations, indicating an elevated risk of hypertension and overweight in these patients, independent of obesity or diabetes mellitus. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms driving this association.