The orthogonal and 12 lead ECG in adult negroes with systemic hypertension: comparison with age-matched control.
In a comparative ECG study of 288 hypertensive and 340 normal Nigerians, the following observations were made: a) The QRS voltage is high in normal Negroes but becomes significantly higher in hypertension (HBP). This suggests that the voltage criteria being used for LVH in Caucasians are not applicable to Negroes. b) The T wave amplitude diminishes in HBP culminating in ST-T flattening or down-sloping ST-segment with asymmetric T inversion, so called "Strain pattern" c) The Washington code for LVH (Rx amplitude > 2 mV, Rx + Rz > 3.4 mV and Rz duration > 0.06 sec) achieved a cumulative sensitivity of 70.7% with 83.5% specificity in males. In females, Rx > 2 mV, Rx + Rz > 2.6 mV and Rz duration > 0.07 sec. achieved a sensitivity of 71.6% with 92.4% specificity. d) In the 12-Lead system, RI > 1.1 mV Sv2 + Rv5 > 4.5 mV (male), Sv2 + Rv5 > 4.2 mV (female) and Tv6 < -0.05 mV achieved a cumulative sensitivity of 74.3% with 87.6% specificity in males; 72.3% with 91.8% respectively in females. It is suggested that further studies are required to authenticate these criteria for LVH in Negroes.
Araoye
M A
MA
Department of Medicine, University of Ilorin, Nigeria.
Omotoso
A B
AB
Opadijo
G O
GO
D000328:Adult; D044383:Black People; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004562:Electrocardiography / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D044465:White People