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P-wave Duration and Dispersion in Lone Obesity
Mehmet Cosgun1, Isa Sincer1, Mehmet Inanir1
1Department of Cardiology, Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal University Hospital, Bolu, Turkey.
Summary
Morbid obesity, even without other risk factors, is linked to prolonged P-wave duration and dispersion, suggesting potential atrial fibrillation risk. These electrocardiographic changes may indicate early cardiac electrical remodeling in severe obesity.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
- Obesity Medicine
Background:
- Morbid obesity is a growing public health concern.
- Obesity is associated with various cardiovascular complications.
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) risk factors like hypertension and diabetes are common in obese individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate P-wave duration and dispersion (PD) in young, morbidly obese individuals without typical AF risk factors.
- To determine if severe obesity alone influences electrocardiographic parameters related to atrial electrical activity.
Main Methods:
- An observational, cross-sectional study comparing 47 morbidly obese subjects with 44 healthy weight controls (aged 21-40).
- 12-lead surface electrocardiography (ECG) was used to measure P-wave duration (Pmax) and PD.
- Pearson correlation analysis investigated the relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI), Pmax, and PD.
Main Results:
- Obese subjects had significantly higher BMI (42.3 vs. 19.5, P <0.001).
- Statistically significant increases in Pmax (105.3±9.8 vs. 95.6±8.5, P<0.001) and PD (27.6 vs. 12.2, P<0.001) were observed in the obese group.
- Strong positive correlations were found between BMI and both Pmax (r=0.485) and PD (r=0.620), both P<0.001.
Conclusions:
- Prolonged Pmax and PD, potential electrocardiographic predictors of AF, can occur in obese individuals even without comorbidities.
- Severe obesity may independently contribute to atrial electrical remodeling, increasing future AF risk.
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