Abstract P344: Prevalence of Conduction Abnormalities in a Systolic Heart Failure Disease Management Population by Race, Ethnicity, and Gender

Abstract

While there have been several studies evaluating the prevalence of electrocardiogram (ECG) conduction abnormalities such as left bundle branch block (LBBB) and atrial fibrillation (AF) in the general population, there are none currently describing that of the Hispanic population in patients with systolic heart failure. Given the need for examining race and ethnic differences in ECG abnormalities, the primary purpose of this study is to compare the prevalence of ECG abnormalities in three systolic heart failure populations from two indigent heart failure clinics. The study examines EKG difference among three ethnic groups: Caucasians, African-Americans, and Hispanics. We also investigated ECG differences between genders. This is a cross sectional study. A total of 926 patients were enrolled in a systolic heart failure disease management program in two safety net hospitals in Florida and Louisiana. Inclusion criteria was an ejection fraction (EF) < or equal to 40% by echocardiography, and ECGs which were obtained closest to the date of enrollment. Caucasian patients had more atrial fibrillation than African-American patients. Hispanics had more paced rhythm, left bundle branch block and abnormal QT intervals than Caucasian or African-American patients. A QRS interval greater than 120 milliseconds (ms) was less prevalent among African-Americans. ECG conduction abnormalities vary across race, ethnicity, and gender. Adequate medical attention should be addressed to these variations since relevant ECG findings can offer additional guidance for therapeutic interventions, as well as provide important prognostic information and potentially modify morbidity and mortality rates.