Frequency of Cardiomyopathy in Beta-Thalassemia Major Patients Using Echocardiography

Abstract

Introduction: Despite the advances in therapeutic management of thalassemia major and the resulting substantial improvement of patients’ survival, heart disease still remains the primary cause of mortality and morbidity. Heart disease accounts for over half of the deaths in patients with thalassemia major and may present as heart failure, cardiomyopathy, pulmonary hypertension, arrhythmias, pericarditis and myocarditis. Thalassemia –related cardiomyopathy may manifest as dilated left ventricular, cardiomyopathy or restrictive left ventricular filling.

Objective: To determine the frequency of cardiomyopathy in beta-thalassemia major patients using echocardiography.

Study Design: Descriptive, cross-sectional.

Study duration: 15^th  February 2026 to 15^th May 2026

Settings: Department of Pediatrics, Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi.

Materials & Methods: A total of 142 patients with beta-thalassemia major aged 2-12 years, of either gender, were included. Patients with hemoglobinopathies other than beta thalassemia major were excluded. After taking history of the disease and treatment, echocardiography was done in every patient to confirm cardiomyopthy.

Results: Most patients 123 (86.67%) were aged 8-12 years, with a mean age of 9.62 ± 1.62 years. Among the 142 patients, 86 (60.56%), were male and 56 (39.44%) were females. cardiomyopathy was diagnosed in 62 (43.66%) patients. The estimated frequency of cardiomyopathy in beta-thalassemia major patients in this population was at least 36% with p value 0.035.

Conclusion: We concluded that cardiomyopathies is a prevalent complication among β-thalassemia major patients, occurring in 36% of the cases. Early screening and management are recommended to mitigate cardiac complications.