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Published on: June 12, 2020
Twelve-lead electrocardiography in the young: physiologic and pathologic abnormalities.
Richard Kobza1, Florim Cuculi, Roger Abächerli
1Division of Cardiology, Luzerner Kantonsspital, Luzern, Switzerland.
Electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities are common in young adults, with incomplete right bundle branch block being the most frequent finding. This study analyzed ECGs of over 43,000 conscripts, revealing no cases of atrial fibrillation or flutter.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Preventive Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities in young populations are not fully characterized.
- Understanding prevalence is crucial for identifying potential cardiac risks in youth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of physiologic and pathologic ECG abnormalities in a representative cohort of young Swiss conscripts.
- To establish baseline ECG findings for the current young generation.
Main Methods:
- Manual analysis of ECGs from 43,401 conscripts (mean age 19.2 years) over a 29-month period.
- Inclusion of all individuals undergoing military conscription.
Main Results:
- Incomplete right bundle branch block (13.5%) and left anterior fascicular block (0.83%) were the most common abnormalities.
- First-degree AV block (0.8%), early repolarization (2.4%), and minor T-wave changes (0.42%) were also observed.
- No cases of atrial fibrillation or flutter were detected.
Conclusions:
- ECG abnormalities are prevalent in a significant proportion of young individuals.
- Incomplete right bundle branch block, left fascicular block, and first-degree AV block are the most frequent findings.
- The absence of atrial fibrillation/flutter in this cohort warrants further investigation.
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