Study of ECG changes and its relation to mortality in cases of cerebrovascular accidents

Suja Purushothaman1, Deepalaxmi Salmani2, Kaleramma Gopalakrishna Prarthana3

  • 1Department of Physiology, Malabar Medical College and Research Centre, Modakkallur, Atholi, Kozhikode, Kerala, India.

Insights

Electrocardiogram (ECG) changes are common in acute stroke patients. These ECG findings, including ST-T changes and U waves, correlate with higher mortality rates, especially in hemorrhagic stroke.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Neurology
  • Medical Diagnostics

Background:

  • Cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs) are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide.
  • CVAs present significant challenges in medical management and rehabilitation.
  • Neurological disorders, including stroke, are known to induce electrocardiogram (ECG) changes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of ECG changes in acute stroke patients.
  • To determine the relationship between specific ECG alterations and mortality in CVA cases.

Main Methods:

  • 100 patients with acute stroke were included in the study.
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings were performed within 24 hours of admission.
  • Patients were categorized into ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke groups based on lesion type.

Main Results:

  • ECG changes were observed in 78% of the 100 stroke patients.
  • Common ECG changes in ischemic stroke included T-wave inversion (34.48%) and ST depression (32.75%).
  • In hemorrhagic stroke, T-wave inversion (33.33%) and arrhythmias (33.33%) were frequent, with higher mortality linked to ST-T changes and U waves.

Conclusions:

  • ECG abnormalities are frequently detected in patients experiencing acute stroke.
  • Specific ECG changes, such as ST-T alterations and U waves, are associated with increased mortality.
  • Hemorrhagic stroke cases exhibited higher overall mortality compared to ischemic stroke.
Abstract

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