Heart rate variability in patients with iron deficiency anemia.

BACKGROUND

Heart rate variability (HRV) is associated with increased cardiac risk factor in several conditions. The iron status of an individual may play an important role in cardiovascular health.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate heart rate variability in patients with iron deficiency anemia.

METHODS

Twenty-three patients with iron deficiency anemia (mean hemoglobin (Hb) 8.6+/-2.2 g/dl) and 10 healthy people (mean Hb 13.9+/-1.2 g/dl) were assessed with 24-hour ambulatory Holter recordings during in hospital course having limited physical activity.

RESULTS

Although mean heart rate was significantly higher in patients with anemia, there was no significant difference regarding HRV parameters compared to the healthy group.

CONCLUSION

There was no significant difference in HRV parameters between patients with iron deficiency anemia with limited physical activity and healthy ambulatory people.