ECG parameters varied by ethnicity, with Chinese males having the longest PR interval (146.7 vs 145.2 in Malays vs 141.2 ms in Indians; P<0.001), and obesity reduced high QRS voltage prevalence.
Cross-Sectional (n=144,346)
Electrocardiographic parameters vary significantly across different ethnicities in young Southeast Asian males, and obesity reduces the prevalence of increased QRS voltage on ECG.
p-value: p=<0.001
Abstract Background Routine use of pre‐participation electrocardiograms (ECGs) has been used by the Singapore Armed Forces, targeting early detection of significant cardiac diseases. We aim to describe the impact of demographic and anthropometric factors on ECG variables and establish a set of electrocardiographic reference ranges specific to a young male multiethnic Southeast Asian cohort. Methods and results Between November 1, 2009, and December 31, 2014, 144,346 young male conscripts underwent pre‐participation screening that included a 12‐lead ECG, demographic and anthropometric measurements. The Chinese population had the longest PR interval (146.7 ± 19.7 vs. 145.21 ± 19.2 in Malays vs. 141.2 ± 18.8 ms in Indians), QRS duration (94.5 ± 9.8 vs. 92.6 ± 9.7 in Malays vs. 92.5 ± 9.4 ms in Indians) and QTcB interval (408.3 ± 21.3 vs. 403.5 ± 21.6 in Malays vs. 401.2 ± 21.4 ms in Indians) (all p 25 kg/m 2 and body fat >25% were independently associated with lower prevalence of increased QRS voltage on ECG. Systolic blood pressure of >140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure of >90 mmHg independently increased the prevalence of increased QRS voltage on ECG. Conclusions Electrocardiographic parameters vary across different ethnicities and in comparison with international norms. In our population, diagnosis of increased QRS voltage by ECG is less prevalent with obesity and increased body fat. Further analysis of gold standard measurements for the diagnosis of LVH in our population is ongoing, to improve the accuracy of the ECG screening process.
Sia et al. (Fri,) conducted a cross-sectional in Pre-participation screening (n=144,346). Demographic and anthropometric factors was evaluated on ECG characteristics (PR interval, QRS duration, QTcB interval, QRS voltage) (p=<0.001). ECG parameters varied by ethnicity, with Chinese males having the longest PR interval (146.7 vs 145.2 in Malays vs 141.2 ms in Indians; P<0.001), and obesity reduced high QRS voltage prevalence.