Linear and non-linear relationships between red blood cell indices and cardiovascular risk factors: findings from the China National Health Survey

Abstract Introduction Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Red blood cell indices (RBIs) are associated with CVD risk factors (CRFs) and easy to test, making them useful as a screening tool for early identification of individuals at high risk for CVDs. Methods Data from 31,781 participants in the China National Health Survey conducted from 2012 to 2017 were analyzed. Linear and non-linear relationships between RBIs and CRFs (hyperuricemia, diabetes, dyslipidemia) were assessed using restricted cubic splines. Propensity score weighting was used to balance confounders between RBI groups in the multivariable logistic regression models. Results Hemoglobin concentration, red blood cell count and hematocrit all showed a significant linear dose-response association with all CRFs (p values