The prevalence of pathological electrocardiography findings in Duzce, yigilca region

Aim Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. Abnormal electrocardiography (ECG) findings are predictors of short-term cardiovascular risk. We aimed to contribute lacking national epidemiologic data regarding the prevalence of abnormal ECG findings in Turkish adults. Method The prevalence of abnormal ECG findings and arrhythmias were investigated in the west Black sea region of Turkey. A total of 2239 subjectsover 18 years old were examined with 12 derivation resting ECG in this large epidemiological observational cohort study. Pathological Q waves, axis deviation, high R amplitude, ST-T changes, atrioventricular (AV) blocks, intraventricular (IV) blocks, arrhythmias and low QRS voltage were interpretated as ECG parameters. ECG findings were classified according to the Minnesota coding system.Findings Mean age was 50 ± 15 (age= 18 to 92). Age-adjusted (over 40 years old) prevalence of abnormal ECG findings and arrhythmias were detailed in the following respectively; pathological Q waves 2.06 %, left axis deviation 9.64 %, high R wave amplitude 6.57 %, ST segment depression 2.01 %, T inversion 3.25 %, left bundle branch block (LBBB) 2.63 %, extrasystoles 3.26 % and atrial fibrillation 2.01 %. Conclusion This observation reveals the increasing trend of the prevalence of arterial hypertension, coronary artery disease (CAD) and atrial fibrillation in the last two decades in Turkey. Key words Electrocardiography, epidemiology, Turkish adults