Key result
In adults with obesity, predominant ECG variations included inverted T-waves (26%), sinus tachycardia (21.3%), prolonged QTc (10.7%), and ST-segment depression (9.3%).
Why the study?
Obesity is associated with increased all-cause mortality and CVD, and an ECG may help screen for subtle signs of CVD or altered cardiac morphology in this population.
Cross-Sectional (n=150)
No
Obese patients without other comorbidities frequently exhibit ECG abnormalities such as tachycardia, repolarization abnormalities, and prolonged QTc, which are more prevalent in morbid obesity.
ECG abnormalities common in obesity warrant awareness; hypothesis-generating for prognostic value, needing prospective validation.
Background: Obesity is associated with increased all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD). An electrocardiogram (ECG) may be used to screen for subtle signs of CVD or altered cardiac morphology in the obese. Methodology: This observational cross-sectional analysed ECG changes in patients with obesity at a tertiary care centre in southern India. Results: One hundred and fifty adult patients with a mean (SD) BMI of 39.9 (6.7) kg/m2 were recruited in the study after excluding those with comorbidities (diabetes mellitus, systemic hypertension) or on chronic medications (ACE inhibitors). The cohort showed a female predominance (69.3%), with a mean (SD) age of 45.4 (11.2) years. Most patients exhibited a sinus rhythm (78%), with one patient showing features of first-degree conduction block. Sinus tachycardia was seen in 32 (21.3%) patients. We observed left and right ventricular hypertrophy in five (3.3%) and three (2%) patients, respectively. Observed ECG patterns included a prolonged QTc in 16 (10.7%) patients, inverted T-waves (mostly in the inferior leads) in 39 (26%) patients and ST-segment depression (predominantly in the lateral leads) in 14 (9.3%) patients. A greater prevalence was noted for morbid obesity. No deaths were reported in our cohort. Conclusions: The predominant ECG variations in this cohort included tachycardia, atrial enlargement, ventricular hypertrophy, conduction defects, LAD, features of ischemia or old infarction and repolarization abnormalities, with a greater prevalence in morbid obesity. Further studies are needed to assess the impact of weight reducing measures on reversibility of these changes and determine the association with outcomes in obese patients.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Binu et al. (2022) conducted a cross-sectional in Obesity (n=150). Obesity was evaluated on Electrocardiographic changes. In adults with obesity, predominant ECG variations included inverted T-waves (26%), sinus tachycardia (21.3%), prolonged QTc (10.7%), and ST-segment depression (9.3%).
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: