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Electrocardiographic hypertrophic patterns in hypertensive Nigerians
J O Olubodun1, T O Cole, A O Falase
1Department of Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria.
International Journal of Cardiology
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Electrocardiogram (ECG) findings reveal significant left ventricular and left atrial hypertrophy in Nigerian hypertensives, particularly those with heart failure. These hypertrophic patterns are more pronounced than in other populations, indicating late presentation of hypertension.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Hypertension Research
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Hypertension is a significant global health issue, often leading to cardiac complications.
- Electrocardiographic (ECG) patterns of cardiac hypertrophy are key indicators of hypertensive heart disease.
- Understanding these patterns in diverse populations is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and patterns of cardiac hypertrophy using ECG in Nigerian hypertensive patients.
- To compare hypertrophic findings between hypertensive patients with and without heart failure.
- To assess the relationship between blood pressure severity and hypertrophic changes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of ECGs from 60 Nigerian hypertensive patients.
- Patients were divided into two groups: 30 with heart failure and 30 without (matched for age and sex).
- Analysis focused on identifying patterns of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), left atrial hypertrophy (LAH), and right atrial hypertrophy (RAH).
Main Results:
- Combined LVH and LAH was the most common finding (58.3%), followed by LVH alone (30%).
- Prevalence of combined LVH and LAH was significantly higher in the heart failure group (76.7%) compared to the non-heart failure group (40%) (P < 0.02).
- All patients with Class IV heart failure exhibited combined LVH and LAH; 3 of these also had RAH, with 2 deaths during follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Nigerian hypertensives exhibit marked cardiac hypertrophy, especially combined LVH and LAH, often presenting late with severe disease.
- These ECG-derived hypertrophic changes are more pronounced than reported in Caucasian and previous African cohorts.
- The findings underscore the severity of long-standing hypertension and late presentation in this population, necessitating earlier detection and intervention.