Electrocardiograms in hypertensive subjects from a population random sample: basic characteristics and correlations...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The World Health Organization (WHO) initiated a Community Control Programme of Hypertension in Italy.
• Hypertension screening is crucial for early detection and management of cardiovascular diseases.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) is a key diagnostic tool for assessing cardiac abnormalities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of electrocardiographic abnormalities, specifically left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and myocardial ischemia (ISC), in a hypertensive population.
• To investigate the correlation of LVH and ISC with age and body mass index (BMI) in relation to sex.

Main Methods:

• A population-based screening of 5,856 individuals in Camposampiero, Italy, identified 1,190 hypertensives.
• Standard ECG tracings were recorded and interpreted using the 2nd version of the Minnesota Code (MC).
• Prevalence rates of MC items, LVH, and ISC were calculated and analyzed for correlations with age and BMI.

Main Results:

• Absolutely normal ECGs (MC item 1-0) were found in 41.1% of subjects; 23.3% had minor deviations (MC items 9-4).
• Prevalence of LVH was 21.3% in males and 14.6% in females; ISC prevalence was 5.7% in males and 18.1% in females.
• Significant positive correlations with age were observed for LVH and ISC in females, and for ISC in males. LVH showed a negative correlation with BMI in males.

Conclusions:

• The study highlights significant prevalence of LVH and ISC in a hypertensive Italian community.
• Age and BMI are important factors influencing cardiac abnormalities, with sex-specific correlations.
• ECG screening, as part of community programs, is valuable for identifying at-risk individuals for hypertension-related complications.