Comparison of Blood Pressure in Beta Thalassemia Major Patients with that of Control

Abstract

Introduction and Objectives : β-thalassemia major patients need to have repeated blood transfusions throughout their life for survival, which leads to so many complications. Heart disease is the most important complication and the main determinant of survival in these patients. Our study shows comparison of blood pressure between these patients and that of normal subjects. Material and Methods : Present study was a cross sectional type of study and consisted of 100 normal subjects (control group) and 100 patients of beta thalassemia major (study group). Blood pressure was recorded in both the groups using mercury sphygmomanometer and statistical analysis of the observations was done using Z test. Results : There was no statistically significant difference in the Systolic blood pressure (SBP) of study group as compared to control group whereas there was a difference in the Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of study group and control group which was statistically significant (p value <0.0001). Conclusion : There was an overall reduction in the blood pressure of study group as compared to control group but the difference in SBP was statistically not significant whereas that of DBP was statistically significant. Key Words: Beta thalassemia major, Diastolic blood pressure, Systolic blood pressure