United in prevention-electrocardiographic screening for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
BACKGROUND
NONE DECLARED.


BACKGROUND
P-wave abnormalities on the resting electrocardiogram have been associated with cardiovascular or pulmonary disease. So far, "Gothic" P wave and verticalization of the frontal plane axis is related to lung disease, particularly obstructive lung disease.


OBJECTIVE
We tested if inverted P wave in AVl as a lone criteria of P wave axis >70° could be screening tool for emphysema.


METHODS
1095 routine electrocardiograms (ECGs) were reviewed which yielded 478 (82,1%) ECGs with vertical P-axis in sinus rhythm. Charts were reviewed for the diagnosis of COPD and emphysema based on medical history and pulmonary function tests.


CONCLUSIONS
Electrocardiogram is very effective screening tool not only in cardiovascular field but in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The verticality of the P axis is usually immediately apparent, making electrocardiogram rapid screening test for emphysema.
Clinical Hospital Center Zemun , Department of Internal Medicine, Belgrade, Serbia.
Biljana
B
Lazovic
Sanja
S
Mazic
Zoran
Z
Stajic
Marina
M
Djelic
Mirjana
M
Zlatkovic-Svenda
Biljana
B
Putnikovic
ECG; emphysema; inverted P wave