A clinicopathological study on the electrical axis of the heart in 1,000 autopsy cases

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Geriatric Medicine
• Electrophysiology

Background:

• The electrical axis of the heart can change with age.
• Understanding axis deviations in the elderly is crucial for diagnosing cardiac conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the prevalence of different electrical axis classifications in individuals over 56 years of age.
• To investigate the pathological associations of left and right axis deviations in this demographic.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of electrocardiogram (ECG) data from 1,000 individuals aged over 56.
• Correlation of ECG findings with pathological examination results.

Main Results:

• Normal axis observed in 58% of participants.
• Left axis deviation (LAD) found in 17.4%, mild LAD in 21.9%, and right axis deviation (RAD) in 2.7%.
• LAD associated with myocardial infarction (20%) and right bundle branch block (16%). RAD associated with right bundle branch block (66.7%) and right ventricular hypertrophy (22.2%).

Conclusions:

• Left axis deviation in the elderly is significantly associated with myocardial infarction and right bundle branch block.
• Right axis deviation in this age group is strongly linked to right bundle branch block and right ventricular hypertrophy.
• No significant correlation found between left axis deviation and coronary sclerosis, myocardial fibrosis, or cardiac hypertrophy.