Key result
Only 3.6% of adults over 85 have a normal ECG, driven by prevalent ischemic abnormalities.
Why the study?
What is the prevalence of specific ECG abnormalities in a population aged 85 years and older?
Population
559 persons, representing 83% of the total population 85 years of age or over in the city of Tampere
Design
Cross-sectional
Authors
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ECG abnormalities predominate at age ≥85; extends prior prevalence data but leaves open clinical implications.
Cross-Sectional (n=559)
No
What is the prevalence of specific ECG abnormalities in a population aged 85 years and older?
ECG abnormalities are nearly ubiquitous in individuals aged 85 and older, with over 96% showing at least one codable abnormality.
Rajala et al. (1984) conducted a cross-sectional in Very old people (n=559). Very old age (≥85 years) was evaluated on Prevalence of no codable ECG items (normal ECG). Among 559 persons aged 85 years or older, only 3.6% had a normal ECG, with T wave inversion (53.3%) and abnormalities suggestive of ischaemic heart disease (45.3%) being highly prevalent.
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