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Electrocardiograms in office practice.
H T Milhorn1, J G Robbins, R Randolph
1Department of Family Medicine, University of Mississippi School of Medicine, Jackson 39216.
Family Practice Research Journal
|January 1, 1986
Summary
Electrocardiograms (EKGs) are valuable in primary care, with abnormal findings increasing with age. Specific indications like chest pain and hypertension show age-related EKG abnormality trends.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Primary Care Medicine
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Electrocardiograms (EKGs) are a cornerstone diagnostic tool in primary care settings.
- The utility and indications for EKGs in diverse patient populations require ongoing evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the indications, outcomes, and age-related findings of electrocardiograms (EKGs) performed in a primary care setting.
- To determine the effectiveness of EKGs for various clinical indications across different age groups.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of 416 electrocardiograms (EKGs) performed over two years at two University of Mississippi Family Medicine practice units.
- EKGs were categorized by indication, patient age, and electrocardiographic outcome (normal vs. abnormal).
Main Results:
- Abnormal EKG findings were observed in 166 (40%) of the reviewed cases, with a higher prevalence in older patients.
- The most common indications for EKGs were chest pain (28%), health screening (24%), abnormal rhythm (15%), and hypertension (12%).
- The likelihood of abnormal EKGs increased with age across all major indications; screening EKGs were largely unremarkable before age 51, and chest pain EKGs showed no abnormalities in patients under 41.
Conclusions:
- Electrocardiogram (EKG) findings in primary care are significantly influenced by patient age, with increasing abnormality rates in older individuals.
- While chest pain and screening are common EKG indications, abnormal rhythm presents a higher diagnostic yield in younger populations.
- Age stratification is crucial when interpreting EKG results and considering their clinical utility in primary care.