Assessment of Electrocardiogram among Adult Nigerians: High Blood Pressure versus Normal Blood Pressure
Published: 2024-10-08
Page: 422-431
Issue: 2024 - Volume 7 [Issue 2]
Akinwumi D.
City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, USA.
Asafa M.A.
Department of Physiological Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria.
Eluwole O.A.
Department of Medical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria.
Ayoka A.O.
Department of Physiological Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria.
Iannuzzi M.C.
City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, USA.
Ogunlade O. *
Department of Physiological Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: This study assessed the electrocardiogram (ECG) variables of apparently healthy adult Nigerians (≥18 years) who presented for medical screening to determine the effects of high blood pressure (HBP) on the heart's electrical activities.
Study Design: This was a descriptive retrospective study.
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the ECG library of the Department of Physiological Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, over 5 weeks.
Methodology: ECGs obtained from the participants through a standard protocol from 2013 to 2015 were selected, sorted, and stratified into two categories (A and B) based on the blood pressure level. Group A contained 250 ECGs of individuals with high blood pressure (SBP ≥130mmHg and/or DBP ≥80mmHg) while Group B contained 250 ECGs of age-and-sex-matched individuals with normal blood pressure (SBP <130mmHg and/or DBP<80mmHg). Variables extracted from each ECG include age, gender, height, weight, blood pressure, ECG variables, and patterns.
Results: HBP did not significantly alter P wave variables except for morphology (χ2=16.65, P=.005). Across the left lateral leads, QRS voltage(mm) was significantly higher among Group A than Group B; I (8.99 ± 3.54, 7.54±3.00; t = 4.89, P < .001), aVL (5.07± 3.97, 3.83± 3.07; t=3.91, P<.001), V5 (19.18±7.18,16.98±6.45; t=3.60, P <.001) and V6(16.14±5.95, 14.10±5.23; t =4.07, P<.001). The ventricular rate in bpm (77.46 ±14, 70.26 ± 12.48; t=5.99, P =.001) and QTc in ms (424.56±29.24,409.16 ± 22.23; t=0.56, P<.001) were significantly higher in Group A than Group B respectively.
Conclusion: In conclusion, HBP significantly altered cardiac electrical activities and the changes are detectable through routine ECG screening of asymptomatic adults. ECG is recommended as a routine test for adult Nigerians with HBP.
Keywords: Blood pressure, routine, medical screening, electrocardiogram, adults, Nigeria