Heart Rate Variability in Pregnant Women with Anaemia

Abstract

Background: Anaemia is one of the commonest hematological disorders during pregnancy. In developing country like India, anaemia contributes to a major percentage of maternal deaths. In the present study, we have assessed the cardiovascular autonomic functions using the short term heart rate variability analysis in South Indian pregnant woman with anemia. Materials and methods: Forty newly diagnosed pregnant women with anaemia were matched with forty normal pregnant women as controls. Anthropometric measurements were done. Lead II ECG was recorded with subject in left lateral position and short term heart rate variability (HRV) analysis was done. Results: Basal heart rate was significantly high in study group subjects. Among the frequency domain indices, total power and HFnu was significantly less in pregnant woman with anaemia (P<0.001). LFnu and LF-HF ratio was significantly high in pregnant woman with anaemia (P<0.001).The time domain indices namely SDNN, RMSSD, and PNN50 was significantly less in pregnant woman with anemia. Conclusion: Anaemia in pregnancy is associated with an altered autonomic tone. Hence, pregnant woman with anemia are prone for increased cardiovascular risks and autonomic dysfunctions.