The effects of iron deficiency anemia and its treatment on P wave durations and parameters of diastolic function

Abstract

Objectives: We aimed to compare P wave variables and LV diastolic function between patient with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and healthy control group and to investigate the effects of anemia treatment on these parameters. Materials and methods: The study included 56 patients having IDA without cardiovascular dissease and 50 healthy subjects. The cases were evaluated with clinical examination, ECG and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) before and after treatment of IDA. Tissue Doppler imaging was assessed in addition to conventional TTE. The difference between maximum (Pmax) and minimum P wave duration on the 12-leads ECG was defined as PWD. Results: Compared to control group left atrium (LA) diameter (p=0.02), left ventricular enddiastolic diameter (LVED) (p=0.001), frequency of LV diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) (p=0.02), Pmax (p=0.002) and PWD (p=0.001) were significantly increased in patients with IDA. Correlations analysis revealed that PWD (r=0.367, p=0.001) and frequency of LVDD(r=0.231, p=0.02) were significantly correlated with severity of anemia. Compared to pre treatment period; LA diameter (p=0.001), LVED (p=0.001), frequency of LVDD (p=0.001), Pmax (p=0.001), Pmin (p=0.001) and PWD (p=0.001) were significantly decreased after treatment. Conclusion: IDA may be associated with increased PWD, left heart dimensions and frequency of LVDD in paralel with severity of anemia. These parameters may improve with treatment of anemia.