Evaluation of Routine Preoperative Electrocardiogram-A Lagos State University Teaching Hospital Study

Abstract

Introduction: Patients who are 40yrs and above are required to have routine preoperative electrocardiogram (ECG) prior to major elective surgery in our practice. This is aimed at detecting cardiac abnormalities that may contribute to peri- and post-operative morbidity and mortality. There is paucity of literature on this subject among black population. This study aims to describe the prevalence of abnormal ECG findings in routine pre-operative ECG in our patient population. Methods: One hundred and twenty adult patients consisting of 40 males and 80 females, who were referred for routine pre-operative ECG from February 2010 and February 2011, had their ECG tracing subsequently analyzed for the presence of ECG abnormalities. Chi square and Student’s t-test were the statistical tests employed. Result: The mean age of patients studied was 56.4 ± 5.2yrs (range 40 to 80yrs). About a third of the patients had abnormal ECG readings and these included left axis deviation (LAD), right bundle branch block (RBB). The commonly noted abnormalities were left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and LAD. Patients who were 50yrs and above, were more likely to have abnormal ECG findings compared to their younger counterparts and this was statistically significant (x2= 8.367; p value= 0.002). Conclusion: The present study suggests that most of the pre-operative ECG abnormalities are benign in nature and are unlikely to influence the course of surgery. An ongoing larger multicenter study would further shed light on this subject.Key words: Routine, pre-operative electrocardiogram (ECG), Elective surgery