Systolic and Diastolic Ratio and Rate Pressure Product in Anemia.

ABSTRACT

Anemia, a common clinical entity is associated with hyperdynamic circulation and may be involved in etiopathology of heart failure. So, the current study was carried out in 30 patients in the age group 20-40 years with hemoglobin level < 6 g/dl and of at least three month duration of anemia (using WHO definition) and compared with 30 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects. Duration of systole and diastole was estimated by recording of electrocardiogram, apex-cardiogram and phonocardiogram on polyrite with the paper speed of 50 mm/sec. Duration of cardiac cycle was reduced (18.22%) and heart rate was increased (p < 0.001) in anemia compared to controls. On comparison of duration of systole and diastole, there was more decrement in diastole (26.76%, p < 0.001) compare to systole (6.45%, p < 0.01) in anemia versus healthy subjects. Similarly, when fraction occupied by systole and diastole in cardiac cycle were compared, the systolic fraction was increased, diastolic fraction in cardiac cycle was reduced and systole/diastole ratio was increased (p < 0.001) in anemics compared to controls. Rate pressure product and double product were elevated (p < 0.001) in anemia versus controls, imposing mechanical load on heart. So, it is concluded that patients of severe anemia are at the brink of heart failure and should be treated promptly.