Table 3.

Risk of worsening white matter hyperintensities (WMH) ≥1 grade in anemic participants with and without high blood pressure (measured blood pressure ≥140/90), compared to non-anemic ones. Multivariable logistic regression models.

	Model Adjustment Factors*	OR (95%CI) for WMH change ≥1 grade
		BP < 140/90	BP ≥ 140/90
		N=1168	N=678
A	Demographics	0.74 (0.48–1.15)	1.69 (1.03–2.82)
B	A + Baseline WMH grade and time between scans	0.75 (0.48–1.16)	1.74 (1.04–1.92)
C	B + Vascular risk factors and comorbidities	0.77 (0.49–1.21)	1.83 (1.07–3.15)
D	B + Measures of vascular disease	0.70 (0.44–1.11)	1.84 (1.08–3.06)
E	B + History of stroke	0.74 (0.48–1.14)	1.70 (1.02–3.29)
F	B + Cystatin C	0.72 (0.46–1.14)	1.60 (1.01–2.70)
G	B + Inflammation	0.74 (0.48–1.17)	1.59 (1.01–2.83)
H	B + Medications	0.73 (0.47–1.13)	1.69 (1.01–2.82)
I	B + Incident stroke	0.76 (0.49–1.18)	1.68 (1.02–2.83)
	Fully adjusted	0.68 (0.41–1.10)	1.79 (1.03–2.98)

^*Models are adjusted for the following variables:

A. Age, gender and race.

B. Model A + baseline WMH grade and time between the scans.

C. Model B + body mass index, diabetes, smoking status (current/past Vs. never), LDL, HDL, dizziness, factor VII and prevalent cardiovascular diseases.

D. Model B + ankle-arm index, left ventricular hypertrophy by ECG

E. Model B + history of stroke

F. Model B + Cystatin C

G. Model B + inflammation (at least two of: low albumin, high CRP, white blood cells, fibrinogen)

H. Model B + lowering-lipid medications, antihypertensive medications and aspirin use.

I. Model B + strokes between the two MRI scans.

Fully adjusted: adjusted for all the above mentioned covariates.