HOSPITAL FREQUENCY OF ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHIC LEFT VENTRICULAR HYPERTROPHY IN UNIVERSITY COLLEGE HOSPITAL, IBADAN, NIGERIA.

Abstract

Background and Objective: Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is an increase in left ventricular mass due to an increase in cardiomyocyte size. It is said to be a strong predictor of cardiovascular diseases. Detection of LVH is important as early diagnosis and initiation of measures can reduce/halt progression or even cause regression, resulting in prevention or delay of unfavourable cardiovascular outcomes. There is limited data on the frequency of electrocardiographic LVH in hospital population (in-patient and out-patient) in Nigeria. Therefore, the study aimed to estimate the frequency of ECG-diagnosed LVH in hospital patients in Ibadan. Method: The study was conducted at the cardiology unit of UCH, Ibadan. 12-Lead ECGs done between 01/01/2023 to 30/06/2023 for adult men and women 18 years and above were studied. Diagnosis of LVH was based on either Sokolow- Lyon or Cornell voltage criteria. Results: A total of 1678 tracings were analyzed (male - 701, female - 977). LVH was present in 399 tracings (23.8%, 238 cases per thousand), and was significantly more frequent in males than females (28.8% vs. 20.16%). Frequency increased with increasing age. LVH was noted to be significantly associated with incident atrial fibrillation (AF), other arrhythmias, and left atrial enlargement with odds ratios of 3.29 (95% CI: 1.60-6.80), 1.74 (95% CI: 1.17-2.58) and 3.35 (95% CI: 2.52-4.46) respectively. Conclusion: The frequency of ECG-detected LVH was 23.8% in UCH. It was predominantly seen in males and significantly associated with AF, other arrhythmias and left atrial enlargement.