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Electrocardiographic changes in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and its correlation with airflow limitation
B Dhanush1, S R Abinaya1, K V Gopalakrishnan2
1Department of General Medicine, Saveetha Medical College Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, India.
Insights
Electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities are common in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These ECG changes correlate with the severity of COPD and impaired lung function, aiding in early cardiac manifestation detection.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pulmonology
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of death in India and globally.
- COPD is the second most common respiratory illness, following pulmonary tuberculosis.
- Identifying cardiac issues early in COPD patients can improve management of both respiratory and cardiac conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze electrocardiogram (ECG) changes in COPD patients.
- To investigate the correlation between ECG abnormalities and airflow restriction in COPD.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, observational, cross-sectional study involving 50 COPD patients.
- ECG recordings were performed over two years (December 2019 - June 2021).
- Spectrophotometer used for ECG recording.
Main Results:
- Common ECG findings included RS in V6 (60%), incomplete Right Bundle Branch Block (40%), and Right Axis Deviation of QRS (34%).
- Significant associations were found between ECG changes (P wave axis, QRS, P wave height, R V6 height, RBBB) and FEV1/FVC ratio.
- Statistically significant correlations were observed between specific ECG parameters and FEV1.
Conclusions:
- Electrocardiography changes are prevalent in COPD patients.
- Specific ECG anomalies correlate with COPD severity and pulmonary function impairment.
- Further research is needed to confirm these findings and guide clinical practice.
Introduction:
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third most prevalent cause of death in India. In 2012, over 3 million people succumbed to COPD, accounting for 6% of global deaths. COPD is the second most common respiratory disease after pulmonary tuberculosis. Early identification of cardiac manifestations may guide clinicians in implementing timely interventions to manage both the respiratory and cardiac aspects of COPD. This study aims to analyse the ECG changes in COPD patients and their correlation with airflow restriction.
Materials And Methods:
This cross-sectional observational prospective study was conducted on 50 patients with COPD at Kurnool Medical College for a period of two years from December 2019 to June 2021. The ECG was recorded using a spectrophotometer.
Results:
The most frequent ECG abnormalities were RS in V6 (60%), Incomplete Right Bundle Branch Block (40%), and Right Axis Deviation of QRS (34%). The correlation analysis demonstrated significant associations between specific electrocardiographic changes and FEV1/FVC ratio. The P wave axis, QRS, P wave height, R V6 height, and RBBB showed statistically significant correlations with FEV1.
Discussion:
Our findings highlight the prevalence of electrocardiography changes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients, with specific ECG anomalies demonstrating a correlation with the severity of both COPD and pulmonary functional impairment. Further research is warranted to validate these associations and explore their implications for clinical management.
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