P wave Morphology and Dispersion in asymptomatic obese young adults – A comparative cross-sectional study

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Original Article

Author Details : Samata K. Padaki, Surekharani C., Anita H., Amrut A. Dambal

Volume : 4, Issue : 1, Year : 2017

Article Page : 74-76

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Abstract

Background: Considerable variations in the P wave morphology are noted in association with obesity. Standard 12-lead ECG is still considered to be the initial screening test for non-invasive detection of cardiovascular changes.
Objective: To study the duration of P wave (milliseconds), P wave amplitude (mV) and dispersion of P wave (milliseconds) in obese subjects and to compare them with apparently healthy normal subjects.
Material and Method: Asymptomatic obese 150 young adults in the age group of 18– 39 years with BMI ? 30 kg/m², sex and age matched 150 healthy individuals with BMI less than or equal to 22 kg/m² were considered as controls from the general population. A standard 12-lead ECG after 10 minutes of rest was taken and duration of P wave and amplitude was noted. Minimum (min) and maximum (max) duration of P wave and dispersion of P wave (the difference between the max and min P wave duration) were measured by transferring the 12-lead ECG to personal computer via scanner. It was magnified 400 times by Adobe Photoshop software to pick up the smallest changes. Data was analyzed in terms of mean ± SD. Unpaired ‘t’ test was used to study the changes in P wave.
Results: P wave duration was statistically extremely significant (104.3 ± 8.2 vs 95.7 ± 79, P value < 0.0001) and dispersion of P wave was statistically extremely significant (21.1 ± 3.4 vs 14.6 ± 3.9, P value < 0.0001) in obese subjects. P wave amplitude was statistically not significant.
Conclusion: Duration and dispersion of P wave was longer in asymptomatic obese individuals, increasing the risk of atrial flutter and fibrillation. Hence, a regular check on this parameter is needed to reduce its manifestation at a future date.

Keywords: Anthropometry, Electrocardiogram, Body Mass Index, P Wave Dispersion, Cardio-Vascular Diseases

How to cite : Padaki S K, Surekharani C., Anita H., Dambal A A, P wave Morphology and Dispersion in asymptomatic obese young adults – A comparative cross-sectional study. Indian J Clin Anat Physiol 2017;4(1):74-76

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