Cardiovascular Disturbances in Chronic Severe Anemia

Abstract

Cardiovascular disturbances in 60 patients with chronic severe anemia have been studied. Although in a majority the classical hyperkinetic syndrome of anemia was seen, 40 per cent of the patients showed a different pattern that was characterized by absence of tachycardia, comparatively diminished velocity of the blood flow, and a normal or diminished cardiac output even in the presence of congestive failure. Other differences in the manifestations have been evaluated. No cause could be discovered for this difference and for the high incidence of congestive failure seen in this series.