Aortic distensibility in beta-Thalassemia major

ABSTRACT

Any unfavorable effect of beta-Thalassemia major on aortic distensibility will contribute to the adverse effects of beta-Thalassemia major on the cardiovascular system. To evaluated aortic distensibility in patients with beta-Thalassemia major. The study comprised eighty [46 males] consecutive beta-Thalassemia major patients and 80 control subjects matched for age and gender were selected. Aortic distensibility was approximately two-fold lower in patients compared with control subjects [aortic distensibility 1.4 +/- 0.8 vs 3.6 +/- 1.2, cm[2] dyn[-1] 10[-6], P = 0.01]. Beta-Thalassemia major causes significant decrease in aortic distensibility