ECG Abnormalities In Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Cardiology
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Chronic kidney disease (CKD) significantly elevates cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.
• Electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities are frequently observed in CKD patients, but prevalence data vary.
• Limited research exists on ECG abnormality frequency within the local CKD population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of ECG abnormalities in hospitalized patients with CKD.
• To identify common ECG abnormalities in this patient cohort.
• To inform screening strategies for cardiovascular complications in CKD.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted over six months.
• Included were 124 CKD patients (age 20-80) not on renal replacement therapy, admitted to a nephrology ward.
• Standard 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs) were performed and analyzed.

Main Results:

• The majority of CKD patients (78.4%) exhibited one or more ECG abnormalities.
• Common findings included left ventricular hypertrophy (40%), Q waves (27.2%), and ST segment changes (23.4%).
• Other prevalent abnormalities were prolonged QRS duration, tachycardia, and atrial enlargement.

Conclusions:

• ECG abnormalities are highly prevalent in hospitalized CKD patients in the local population.
• Routine ECG screening is recommended for all hospitalized CKD patients to detect underlying cardiovascular disease.
• Early detection via ECG can aid in managing CVD risk in CKD.