Major electrocardiographic abnormalities were present in 29% of adults aged 65 and older, including 37% of those with a history of coronary artery disease or hypertension and 19% of those without.
Cross-Sectional (n=5,150)
Major electrocardiographic abnormalities are highly prevalent (29%) in adults aged 65 and older, even among those without a known history of heart disease.
Absolute Event Rate: 37% vs 19%
Electrocardiographic abnormalities are often found in older patients, but their prevalence in free-living elderly populations is not well-defined. In addition, the clinical significance of many of these abnormalities is uncertain. The prevalence of major electrocardiographic abnormalities was determined in 5,150 adults aged greater than or equal to 65 years from the Cardiovascular Health Study--a study of risk factors for stroke and coronary heart disease in the elderly. Ventricular conduction defects, major Q/QS waves, left ventricular hypertrophy, isolated major ST-T-wave abnormalities, atrial fibrillation and first-degree atrioventricular block were collectively categorized as major electrocardiographic abnormalities. Prevalence of any major electrocardiographic abnormality was 29% in the entire cohort, 19% among 2,413 participants who reported no history of coronary artery disease or systemic hypertension, and 37% among 2,737 participants with a history of coronary artery disease or hypertension. Prevalence of major electrocardiographic abnormalities was higher in men than in women regardless of history, and tended to increase with age. Major Q/QS waves were found in 5.2%, and more than half were in those who did not report a previous myocardial infarction. Major electrocardiographic abnormalities are common in elderly men and women irrespective of the history of heart disease.
Furberg et al. (1992) conducted a cross-sectional in Cardiovascular disease risk (n=5,150). History of coronary artery disease or systemic hypertension vs. No history of coronary artery disease or systemic hypertension was evaluated on Prevalence of any major electrocardiographic abnormality. Major electrocardiographic abnormalities were present in 29% of adults aged 65 and older, including 37% of those with a history of coronary artery disease or hypertension and 19% of those without.