Electrocardiographic abnormalities in severe anaemia and its reversibility after correction of anaemia

Abstract

Background: Anaemia is one of the commonest clinical problems in our country. It affects various organs including the heart. Clinical manifestations of anaemia referable to cardiovascular system may closely simulate symptoms and signs of organic heart disease. It includes some electrocardiogram (ECG) changes also. ECG changes in anaemia show correlation to haemoglobin (Hb) concentration and the changes are reversible after correction of anaemia. In this study, the main objective was to study electrocardiographic changes in patients with severe anaemia and ECG reversibility after treatment of anaemia.Methods: 50 patients admitted in medicine wards of Shri B. M. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Center, Vijayapura for severe anaemia (Hb concentration less than or equal to 7 gm %) were studied for ECG changes. All patients were reassessed for reversibility of changes after treatment.Results: Out of 50 patients with severe anaemia, 20 patients were having Hb % of 3 to 5 gm %. Of which 16 patients were having ECG changes (10 were females and 6 were males). All ECG changes were reverted to normal after correction of anaemia, except one patient (showed pre-treatment T wave inversion and post-treatment flat T waves).Conclusions: ECG abnormalities in patients with severe anaemia are more common in females. ECG abnormalities in patients with severe anaemia (Hb 5 gm %) can get reverted to normal after correction of anaemia.

Electrocardiogram Features in Non-Cardiac Diseases: From Mechanisms to Practical Aspects

“… 159 The severity of anemia may correlate with alterations in the ECG. 160 In severe anemia, typified by hemoglobin levels below 6 g/d, ECG changes may disclose rightward T-wave axis shift, longer PR interval duration, tachycardia and diminished QRS amplitude. 154 A lengthened QT interval duration above 450 ms, is a risk factor for sudden cardiac death and ventricular arrhythmias.…”