A study of changes in heart rate and ECG during Second and Third trimester of Pregnancy – A comparative study

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Original Article

Author Details : Palaparthi Lissie, Kiranmai Vadapalli, M. Anthony David, Bharathi Anil Sherke, J. Karthik

Volume : 4, Issue : 4, Year : 2017

Article Page : 524-528

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Abstract

Introduction: Physiological changes in the cardiovascular system (CVS) that occur during normal pregnancy facilitate the adaptation of the CVS to the increased metabolic needs of the mother, thus enabling adequate delivery of oxygenated blood to the peripheral tissues and fetus. These normally occurring changes in pregnancy sometimes simulate heart disease. It thus becomes essential to distinguish the physiological variations from pathological changes.
Materials and Method: A total of 150 healthy subjects were studied (50 non pregnant, 50 from 2^nd trimester, 50 from 3^rd trimester) for variations in heart rate and specific characteristic ECG waveforms.
Results: Significant increase in the heart rate with advancement of pregnancy as compared to non pregnant individuals was observed. PR interval, QTc showed significant changes not only in 2^nd trimester as compared to non pregnant subjects but also in 3^rd trimester as compared to 2^nd trimester subjects.
Conclusion: ECG findings in Pregnancy should be interpreted with caution.

Keywords: Heart rate, ECG, Hemodynamics, Pregnancy

How to cite : Lissie P, Vadapalli K, David M A, Sherke B A, Karthik J, A study of changes in heart rate and ECG during Second and Third trimester of Pregnancy – A comparative study. Indian J Clin Anat Physiol 2017;4(4):524-528

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