The study aims to evaluate the clinical, laboratory and instrumental differences that exist between beta-thalassemia patients with atrial fibrillation and those not affected by arrhythmia.

Observational, retrospective and prospective, single-center study, which involves the collection of clinical, laboratory, electrocardiographic and imaging data of patients with major or intermediate thalassemia who have performed, from 2012 to 2022, or will perform in the next 10 years, a cardiological evaluation at the Cardiology Unit of the University Hospital of Ferrara. Patients will be divided into two groups: thalassemia patients with atrial fibrillation (paroxysmal, persistent or permanent) and thalassemia patients with no history of atrial fibrillation.

The objective of the study is to evaluate whether there is a different prevalence of the characteristics analyzed among these patient populations.

As secondary outcome, the effect of SGLT2-inhibitors (empaglifozin, dapaglifozin, ...) will be evaluated.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Transfusion-dependent Beta-thalassemia;
2. Follow-Up at the Cardiology Unit of the University Hospital of Ferrara;
3. Electrocardiogram performed;
4. Echocardiogram performed.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Age <18 years;
2. State Of pregnancy;
3. Inability to give informed consent.

Transfusion-dependent Beta-thalassemia patients