A comparative study of electrocardiographic QRS complex in asymptomatic obese young adults

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Original Article

Author Details : Samata Krishnarao Padaki, Anita Herur, Amrut Aravindrao Dambal

Volume : 3, Issue : 4, Year : 2016

Article Page : 485-489

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Abstract

Background: Standard 12-lead ECG is widely used initial screening test for non-invasive detection of cardiovascular changes in obesity. It is seen that obesity is associated with leftward shift of the P wave, QRS and T wave axis, various changes in the P wave morphology, and low QRS voltage, which remain asymptomatic and hence undiagnosed for a longer period of time.
Objectives: To study and compare the QRS axis (in degrees), QRS duration (in seconds) and QRS amplitude (in mV) in asymptomatic obese young adults and apparently healthy normal subjects.
Material and Methods: Asymptomatic obese 150 young adults in the age group of 18 – 39 years with BMI ? 30 kg/m²as study subjects, age and sex matched 150 healthy individuals with BMI <22 kg/m² were taken as controls from the general population. The weight in kilograms and height in meters was measured and Body Mass Index (BMI), Body Surface Area (BSA) and Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR) were calculated using standard methods. A 12-lead ECG was taken after 10 minutes of rest. Data was expressed in terms of mean ± SD.  Unpaired ‘t’-test was done to study the difference in QRS complex.
Results: Mean QRS axis (in degrees) in study subjects was 38.9±33.6 vs 56.5±33.4 in controls and was statistically significant. QRS duration (in seconds) in study subjects was 0.09 ± 0.01 vs 0.08±0.01 in controls and was statistically significant. QRS amplitude was increased in cases but was not statistically significant.
Conclusion: Our results suggest that obese individuals, being asymptomatic, have higher anthropometric values and abnormal QRS complex, which needs a regular check to reduce the chances of their manifestation, at a future date.

Keywords: Anthropometry, Electrocardiogram, Body Mass Index, Cardiovascular Diseases, QRS complex

How to cite : Padaki S K, Herur A, Dambal A A, A comparative study of electrocardiographic QRS complex in asymptomatic obese young adults. Indian J Clin Anat Physiol 2016;3(4):485-489

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