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Relationships of electrocardiographic parameters with ambulatory hypertension in young and healthy adults
Stefanie Aeschbacher1, Fatih Metin1, Matthias Bossard2
1Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland; Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel, University Hospital Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland.
Insights
Electrocardiogram (ECG) changes, including T-wave amplitude, are linked to hypertension in young adults. This study highlights ECG as a tool for detecting high blood pressure in healthy individuals.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Hypertension Research
- Electrocardiography
Background:
- Elevated blood pressure (BP) is a primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
- Hypertension significantly impacts left ventricular mass.
- Early detection of hypertension is crucial, even in young, healthy populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate electrocardiographic (ECG) changes associated with hypertension in young, healthy adults.
- To identify specific ECG parameters that correlate with daytime hypertension.
- To establish the utility of ECG in screening for hypertension in a younger demographic.
Main Methods:
- A population-based cohort study included healthy adults aged 25–41 years without prior cardiovascular disease.
- Standard 12-lead ECG and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring were performed.
- Multivariable logistic regression analyzed associations between ECG parameters and daytime hypertension (systolic BP ≥140 mmHg, diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg, or antihypertensive treatment).
Main Results:
- Daytime hypertension was identified in 21% of the 2070 participants.
- Significant associations were found between hypertension and RR interval, R-wave amplitudes (leads I, II), and S-wave amplitudes (leads aVR, V1, V2).
- Notably, T-wave amplitudes in leads V1, V2, V4, and V5 showed significant linear relationships with daytime hypertension.
Conclusions:
- Specific electrocardiographic parameters are independently associated with daytime hypertension in young, healthy adults.
- This study provides novel evidence for significant relationships between T-wave amplitude and hypertension.
- ECG may serve as a valuable, non-invasive tool for identifying hypertension in younger populations.
Background:
Elevated blood pressure (BP) is a leading cardiovascular risk factor and a major determinant of left ventricular mass. Te aim of this study was to assess electrocardiographic (ECG) changes associated with hypertension in a large cohort of young and healthy adults.
Methods:
Healthy individuals aged 25–41 years without known cardiovascular disease were enrolled in a population based cohort study. Resting 12-lead ECG and ambulatory 24-hour BP measurement were obtained using validated devices. Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to assess the relationships between ECG parameters and daytime hypertension, defined as systolic daytime BP≥140, diastolic BP≥90 mmHg or use of antihypertensive treatment.
Results:
Daytime hypertension was present among 430 of 2070 (21%) participants. Significant linear relationships were observed between daytime hypertension with RR interval (odds ratio (OR) 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.84 (0.78; 0.92)), R-wave amplitude in leads I and II (OR (95% CI) 2.04 (1.30; 3.19) and 1.61 (1.15; 2.24), and S-wave amplitudes in leads aVR, V1 and V2 with ORs (95% CI) of 3.28 (1.93; 5.59), 2.15 (1.51; 3.08) and 1.47 (1.18; 1.83), respectively. We also observed linear associations between daytime hypertension and T-wave amplitudes in leads V1 (OR (95% CI) 4.83 (2.35; 9.91)), V2 (2.18 (1.43; 3.32)), V4 (0.48 (0.29; 0.80)) and V5 (0.37 (0.19; 0.72)).
Conclusion:
Several ECG parameters are independently associated with daytime hypertension among young and healthy adults. This is one of the first studies to show significant relationships between T wave amplitude and hypertension.
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