Characteristics of Women with Low Blood Hemoglobin Levels in Health Check-ups and Their Management

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the characteristics of women with low blood hemoglobin (Hb) levels (≤ 11.0 g/dL) and apply the findings in detecting anemia in health check-ups and providing guidance for mitigating it.

Methods: We used the data of 3,385 women who had received health check-ups at our Ningen Dock clinic from April 2016 to March 2017. Age, examination results, clinical history, subjective symptoms and lifestyle habits of low Hb women were compared with non-low Hb women. The consultation rates of women determined to need secondary examination were compared among those for some health check-up items.

Results: The percentage of low Hb women was higher in the 40s age group: 16.6% compared to 9.7% for subjects overall. Low Hb women had higher percentages for medical history of anemia, currently treated uterine leiomyoma, and the subjective symptom of lightheadedness than non-low Hb women; however, there were no major differences. The percentage of low Hb women told they had an anemic appearance in a physical examination was18.2%. For 11 check-up items, the rate for low Hb women receiving secondary examination was lower.

Conclusion: It was difficult to efficiently detect low Hb women through physical examination, clinical history, subjective symptoms and/or lifestyle habits. We consider it necessary to reinforce detection of low Hb women through blood examination in all health check-up programs and recommend consultation or health guidance for those who need secondary examination after check-ups.