Body Mass Index and Its Influence on Electrocardiographic Parameters in Healthy and Cardiovascular Patients

Objective Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a significant cause of mortality worldwide. Smoking, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and psychological stress are the main lifestyle factors associated with CVDs. This study was designed to investigate the relationship between electrocardiographic (ECG) changes and various body mass index (BMI) categories, considering demographic characteristics of the participants, such as age, gender, height, and weight. Methods This cross‐sectional study was conducted on 964 patients attending Mostafa Khomeini Hospital, Ilam, Iran. Pearson correlation coefficients and regression models were employed using SPSS v. 24 to assess the relationship between BMI and ECG parameters recorded using a 12‐lead ECG. Results A 10‐cm increase in height (165 ± 14) was associated with a 0.089 ms decrease in the PR interval, while a 5‐kg weight gain resulted in a 0.20 ms increase in the PR interval ( p = 0.49). The QRS interval increased by 2 and 0.03 ms, with a 10 cm height and 5 kg weight gain, respectively. The QT interval remained stable with changes in height but decreased by 1.34 ms with a 5‐kg increase in weight. Conclusion The findings of this study suggest that ECG parameters are influenced by BMI and may be related to cardiovascular risks. An increase in PR and QRS intervals, a decrease in QRS voltage, and alterations in the ST segment and QT interval underscore the importance of maintaining a healthy BMI to reduce the risk of CVD. This message encourages proactive lifestyle changes to improve heart health.