Effect of Obesity on Electrocardiographic P-Wave Dispersion among Healthy Adults

Abstract

Background Obesity has a strong impact on cardiovascular changes which is manifested in electrocardiogram (ECG). P-wave dispersion (Pd or PWD) is a non-invasive ECG marker for atrial remodelling and predictor of atrial fibrillation (AF). PWD is defined as the difference between the maximum and minimum P-wave duration recorded from the 12 ECG leads. Aims and Objectives To study the variations in electrocardiographic P-wave duration and dispersion in relation to obesity and to find out significance of these variations. Materials and Method A comparative cross-sectional study were conducted among 80 healthy adults of 18 to 40 years age groups. These adults were further divided into two group non-obese and obese according to their BMI. ECG recording was done for each subject and P-wave duration and dispersion were calculated in the department of physiology I.G.I.M.S, Patna. Results Statistically parameters were analysed by independent samples test. We found significantly higher P-wave dispersion in obese group in comparison to non-obese group (p<0.001). Conclusion Obesity lead to prolongation of P-wave duration even in younger healthy adults. This prolongation of the P-wave duration increases the possibility of left atrial enlargement and atrial fibrillation. Hence the present study helps in creating awareness among obese so that they can change their lifestyle in order to prevent the onset of the deleterious effects of obesity on their health.