Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 29, 2025
Scanning Electron Microscopy of Macerated Tissue to Visualize the Extracellular Matrix
Published on: June 14, 2016
Factors associated with electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy among patients with hypertension in
Boonsub Sakboonyarat1, Jaturon Poovieng2, Ram Rangsin3
1Department of Military and Community Medicine, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, Thailand. boonsub1991@pcm.ac.th.
Insights
The prevalence of electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy (ECG-LVH) in Thai hypertensive patients was 4.0%. Men, older adults, and current smokers were identified as high-risk groups for ECG-LVH.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a significant predictor of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and mortality.
- Hypertension affects one-fourth of Thai adults, yet LVH prevalence in this population is not well-defined.
- Electrocardiographic LVH (ECG-LVH) is a key indicator requiring characterization in Thai hypertensive patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of ECG-LVH among Thai patients with hypertension.
- To identify demographic and clinical factors associated with ECG-LVH in this cohort.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from the Thailand Diabetes Mellitus/Hypertension study (2011-2015, 2018).
- Inclusion of 38,807 hypertensive patients with recorded 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG).
- Multivariable logistic regression used to identify factors associated with ECG-LVH.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of ECG-LVH was 4.0% (95% CI, 3.8-4.2%) among 38,807 hypertensive patients.
- Higher prevalence observed in men (5.1%) compared to women (3.4%).
- Associated factors included male sex, older age (70-79 and ≥80 years), current smoking, and uncontrolled blood pressure (SBP ≥140 mmHg and DBP ≥90 mmHg).
Conclusions:
- ECG-LVH affects 4.0% of Thai hypertensive patients with recorded ECGs.
- High-risk groups for ECG-LVH include older individuals, men, and current smokers.
- Targeted interventions for modifiable factors in these high-risk groups are crucial for CVD prevention.
Background:
Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) strongly predicts cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and death. One-fourth of Thai adults suffer from hypertension. Nevertheless, the information on LVH among Thai patients with hypertension is not well characterized. We aimed to identify the prevalence and factors associated with electrocardiographic LVH (ECG-LVH) among patients with hypertension in Thailand.
Methods:
The present study obtained the dataset from the Thailand Diabetes Mellitus/Hypertension study, which included hypertension patients aged 20 years and older receiving continuous care at outpatient clinics in hospitals nationwide in 2011-2015 and 2018. Meanwhile, those without a record of 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG) were excluded from the analysis. ECG-LVH was defined as the LVH noted regarding ECG interpretation in the medical records. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was utilized for determining factors associated with ECG-LVH and presented as the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).
Results:
From 226,420 hypertensive patients in the Thailand Diabetes Mellitus/Hypertension study, 38,807 individuals (17.1%) with ECG data recorded were included in the analysis. The mean age was 64.8 ± 11.5 years, and 62.2% were women. Overall, 1,557 study participants had ECG-LVH, with an estimated prevalence of 4.0% (95% CI, 3.8-4.2%). Age-adjusted ECG-LVH prevalence among women and men was 3.4 and 5.1%, respectively (P < 0.001). Multivariable analysis determined factors associated with ECG-LVH, including being men (AOR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.31-1.69), individuals aged 70 to 79 years (AOR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.20-2.02) and ≥ 80 years (AOR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.58-2.78) compared to individuals aged less than 50 years, current smokers (AOR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.09-1.46) compared to those who never smoked, systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg (AOR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.30-1.92) compared to systolic blood pressure < 140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg.
Conclusions:
The current study illustrated the prevalence of ECG-LVH among Thai patients with hypertension who had ECG recorded and identified high-risk groups who tended to have ECG-LVH. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions, particularly among high-risk groups such as older individuals, men, and current smokers, to address modifiable factors associated with ECG-LVH.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Factors affecting Blood pressure
Physiological Factors:
01:17Pathophysiology of Heart Failure
01:18Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure
01:26Imbalances in Cardiac Output
CHF can occur due to the failure of either side of the heart. Left-side failure leads to pulmonary congestion—the right side continues to send...
01:28Special considerations while measuring blood pressure
Monitoring Both Arms:
Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.
01:30Factors Influencing Heart Rate
Let us explore the significant factors affecting heart rate, including age, body temperature, posture, acute pain, chemical influences,...