Diagnostic validity of electrocardiography compared with echocardiography for diagnosing left ventricular hypertrophy in patients with β- thalassemia major

Abstract

Background: Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is an important risk factor in determining cardiovascular disease prognosis. Echocardiography (ECHO) is a sensitive and specific tool for detection of LVH but cost and operational consideration tend to limit its utility; in contrast, the Electrocardiography (ECG) is widely available, expensive and less operator dependent. Since the comparison of diagnostic validity between ECG and ECHO for evaluating of LVH has not been well studied, this survey was carried out on a number of major β-thlassemia patients. Materials and Methods: This descriptive–analytical study was performed on 135 patients (including male and female) with major β- thalassemia over 8 years old. Patients with heart failure, valvular or structural heart disease, renal and endocrine disease and Hb