BACKGROUND: Heart rate variability (HRV) is associated with increased cardiac risk factor in several conditions. The iron status of an individual may play an important role in cardiovascular health. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate heart rate variability in patients with iron deficiency anemia. METHODS: Twenty-three patients with iron deficiency anemia (mean hemoglobin (Hb) 8.6+/-2.2 g/dl) and 10 healthy people (mean Hb 13.9+/-1.2 g/dl) were assessed with 24-hour ambulatory Holter recordings during in hospital course having limited physical activity. RESULTS: Although mean heart rate was significantly higher in patients with anemia, there was no significant difference regarding HRV parameters compared to the healthy group. CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference in HRV parameters between patients with iron deficiency anemia with limited physical activity and healthy ambulatory people.