ECG Abnormalities in Asymptomatic Hospitalized Patients - A Study in Medicine Unit, CMCH

Abstract

Background: A six-month prospective survey of ECG abnormalities in asymptomatic patients was carried out in Chittagong Medical College Hospital. In the year 2020, according to an estimation 3100 patients per month were admitted at medicine unit in Chittagong Medical College Hospital with various symptoms, out of them who were present with typical anginal pain were evaluated by electrocardiographic tracing. Methodology: This study is designed as an observational, prospective research, focusing on the evaluation of clinical patterns over time. Conducted over a six-month period from October 2009 to March 2010, it employs a purposive sampling technique, ensuring that participants are selected based on specific criteria relevant to the study’s.  Results: A total of 500 patients were randomly selected from those admitted to the medicine wards of Chittagong Medical College Hospital, presenting with symptoms other than coronary artery disease. Their resting ECGs were recorded and interpreted by a consultant cardiologist. The study revealed that among the study population, 356 were male and 144 were female, with an age range between 18 to 81 years. Out of these, 172 were smokers, 98 had a history of hypertension, 82 were obese, 73 had a family history of coronary artery disease (CAD), and 85 had dyslipidemia. After interpretation of ECGs, it was found that 290 patients (58%) exhibited various ECG abnormalities. Among the patients with typical ischemic ECG changes (ST depression >1mm, T inversion, pathological Q wave), Troponin-I testing was conducted, where only two patients tested positive for enzyme changes and were referred to the cardiology unit for further management. Conclusion: This study revealed that the majority of asymptomatic patients exhibited different ECG abnormalities, which can provide prognostic information about their future risk of coronary heart disease events.