Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026

Use of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation to Assess the Origin of Myelodysplastic Syndrome
Published on: October 3, 2018
A review of anemia as a cardiovascular risk factor in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes
Insights
Anemia significantly increases cardiovascular risks in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) patients. Managing hemoglobin levels is crucial for improving outcomes and reducing mortality in MDS.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Cardiology
Background:
- Anemia is a major comorbidity in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), primarily linked to cardiovascular disease.
- The connection between anemia severity and cardiovascular outcomes in MDS patients requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review existing literature on the impact of anemia on cardiovascular outcomes within the MDS patient population.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify studies examining the correlation between hemoglobin levels (anemia) and cardiovascular events in all MDS subtypes.
Main Results:
- Four studies revealed a consistent association between lower hemoglobin levels and adverse cardiovascular outcomes, including heart failure, myocardial infarction, and cardiovascular mortality.
- Anemia emerged as an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease in MDS, irrespective of transfusion status or IPSS score.
Conclusions:
- Evidence suggests a significant link between anemia and cardiovascular morbidity/mortality in MDS patients.
- Active management of hemoglobin levels in MDS patients is recommended before transfusion dependence occurs.
Background:
Anemia is an important cause of morbidity in MDS patients, principally through increased cardiovascular disease. Transfusion status has been seen to be a significant prognostic factor for disease progression and mortality, yet the relationship between anemia levels and cardiovascular disease is not well understood.
Objective:
This study aimed to review the published literature on the effect of anemia on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with MDS.
Methods:
A systematic literature review was undertaken to identify studies that investigated the relationship between anemia (as defined by hemoglobin levels) and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with MDS (all subtypes).
Results:
Three studies were identified that explicitly evaluated the relationship between anemia and cardiovascular outcomes in MDS, and another study reported the relationship between hemoglobin levels and survival. The four studies consistently showed a strong relationship between lower hemoglobin levels and worse cardiovascular outcomes, including cardiac remodeling, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, heart valve disease, and cardiovascular mortality. Anemia was seen to be an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease outcomes in patients with MDS, beyond transfusion status and IPSS.
Conclusion:
Based upon a relatively small body of evidence, there appears to be a strong and clinically significant association between anemia and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in MDS. While further research is needed, clinicians should seek to actively manage hemoglobin levels in MDS patients before the point of transfusion dependency is reached.
Related Concept Videos
Disorders of Erythrocytes
Erythrocyte disorders can be broadly categorized into two main types: anemic and polycythemic conditions.
A low oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood due to the loss, lower production, or destruction of erythrocytes is termed anemia. Hemorrhagic anemia, for example, occurs when bleeding from an external wound or internal ulcer reduces erythrocyte counts.
On the other...
Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Myocarditis I: Introduction
Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction
Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations

