Electrocardiographic abnormalities in patients with heart failure
Kamilu M Karaye1, Mahmoud U Sani
1Department of Medicine, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria. kkaraye@yahoo.co.uk
Cardiovascular Journal of Africa
|March 6, 2008
Summary
Most heart failure patients in Kano, Nigeria, exhibit abnormal electrocardiograms (ECGs). Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is the most frequent ECG abnormality observed in these patients, regardless of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Heart failure (HF) impacts patients differently based on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities are significant factors influencing HF outcomes.
- Distinct ECG patterns may exist between HF with reduced LVEF and HF with preserved LVEF.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and compare ECG abnormalities in heart failure patients.
- To analyze differences in ECG findings between reduced LVEF and preserved LVEF groups.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study conducted in Kano, Nigeria (April 2005 - June 2006).
- Analysis of resting electrocardiograms (ECGs) from 113 heart failure patients (aged ≥15 years).
- Patients were referred for echocardiography.
Main Results:
- Nearly all patients (98.2%) presented with abnormal ECGs.
- Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) was the most prevalent abnormality (77.5% in reduced LVEF vs. 50% in preserved LVEF).
- Atrial fibrillation and prolonged corrected QT interval were also observed, with no significant difference between LVEF groups.
Conclusions:
- The majority of heart failure patients in this Nigerian cohort have abnormal ECGs.
- Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is the predominant ECG abnormality in heart failure patients.
- ECG findings warrant attention in managing heart failure patients with varying LVEF.
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