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[ECG abnormalities in the MONICA Gent-Charleroi study population]
Insights
This study found that while electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities suggesting coronary heart disease are equally prevalent in men and women, they are linked to different risk factors and infarction histories in each sex.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Coronary heart disease (CHD) remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities are key indicators for diagnosing CHD.
- Understanding sex-specific prevalence and risk factors for ECG abnormalities is crucial for targeted prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of ECG abnormalities suggestive of CHD in an adult population.
- To compare the association of these abnormalities with demographic, clinical, and lifestyle factors between men and women.
- To identify sex-specific risk factors for ECG abnormalities indicative of CHD.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was conducted on a random sample of adults (25-64 years) from Ghent and Charleroi.
- A total of 1693 participants were included, with ECGs analyzed using the Minnesota code.
- Multivariate discriminant function analysis was employed to identify associated factors.
Main Results:
- Overall prevalence of ECG abnormalities suggestive of CHD was 6.1%, with similar rates in men (6.2%) and women (6.0%).
- Men with abnormal ECGs were more likely to be older, have higher systolic blood pressure, and be married.
- Women with abnormal ECGs were older, had lower HDL levels, and were less educated.
Conclusions:
- Despite similar prevalence, ECG abnormalities associated with CHD differ in their correlation with infarction history and risk factors between sexes.
- Risk factor profiles for ECG abnormalities are not uniform across genders, highlighting the need for sex-specific approaches in CHD risk assessment.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the complex interplay of factors contributing to sex disparities in cardiovascular health.
Abstract:
In a survey of a random sample of the adult population (aged 25-64 yr) from Ghent and Charleroi (n = 1693), 103 (6.1%) showed ECG-abnormalities suggestive of coronary heart disease (Minnesota code I, IV, or V); prevalence was equal in men (6.2%) as in women (6.0%). In men, 30% of ECG-abnormalities suggested an old myocardial infarction as compared to 23.4% in women. Men with abnormal ECG had a positive history of acute myocardial infarction in 23%, as compared to 23.4% in women. Multivariate discriminant function analysis shows that men with abnormal ECG are older, have a higher systolic blood pressure and were more often married. Women with ECG abnormalities were significantly older, had a lower HDL-level and were less educated. So, although the prevalence of ECG abnormalities is almost similar between sexes, they correlate differently with antecedents of infarction and are poorly related to different sets of risk factors in men as compared to women.