Are ECG abnormalities common in black Africans with heart failure?
Background: The “Heart of Soweto” study is currently examining the pattern of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Soweto, South Africa. Methods: As part of a large clinical registry of CVD patients presenting to the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto, a 12-lead ECG was performed on 91% of “de novo” cases in 2006. Systematic analysis of the ECGs of heart failure patients was performed using detailed Minnesota coding. Results: A total of 756 de novo patients with HF (57% women, 88% Black African and mean age of 55 ± 16 years) had a 12-lead ECG. Overall, a major ECG abnormality was detected in 91% of cases consisting of ST segment changes, T wave changes, bundle branch blocks and arrhythmias. Minor abnormalities were noted in 97% of ECGs, such as axis deviation and high amplitude R waves. Left ventricular hypertrophy was evident in 15% (22% in those with a dilated cardiomyopathy) and a bundle branch block in 8% of ECGs (11% in those with an ischemic cardiomyopathy). Conclusion: Detaile
