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Evaluation of Left Ventricular Structure and Function using 3D Echocardiography
Published on: October 28, 2020
Electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy with strain pattern: prevalence, mechanisms and prognostic
O S Ogah1, O O Oladapo, A A Adebiyi
1Department of Medicine, Federal Medical Centre, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria.
Cardiovascular Journal of Africa
|March 6, 2008
Summary
The electrocardiographic strain pattern, a marker for left ventricular hypertrophy, indicates a poor prognosis in hypertensive patients. This ECG abnormality is linked to increased cardiovascular risks and mortality.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Clinical Electrophysiology
Background:
- Electrocardiographic (ECG) left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) with a strain pattern is a recognized marker for LVH.
- Its presence in hypertensive patients signifies a poor prognosis.
- This review focuses on the prevalence, mechanisms, and prognostic implications of this ECG finding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the prevalence of ECG strain pattern in hypertensive patients.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms contributing to the ECG strain pattern.
- To determine the prognostic significance of the ECG strain pattern regarding cardiovascular outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search of electronic databases was performed.
- Studies related to ECG strain pattern in hypertensive patients were identified.
- Independent screening of search results was conducted by two reviewers.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of ECG strain pattern varied from 2.1% to 36%, with higher rates predating modern antihypertensive therapy.
- Sensitivity for detecting LVH ranged from 3.8% to 50%, while specificity was high (89.8% to 100%).
- The strain pattern correlated with adverse cardiovascular risk factors and increased all-cause and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, with ST-segment depression and T-wave inversion being key indicators.
Conclusions:
- The electrocardiographic strain pattern is a significant indicator of increased risk for cardiovascular events and overall mortality.
- Identifying this ECG abnormality aids in risk stratification for hypertensive patients.
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