A comparative study of electrocardiographic QRS complex in asymptomatic obese young adults

Background: Standard 12-lead ECG is widely used initial screening test for non-invasive detection of cardiovascular changes in obesity. It is seen that obesity is associated with leftward shift of the P wave, QRS and T wave axis, various changes in the P wave morphology, and low QRS voltage, which remain asymptomatic and hence undiagnosed for a longer period of time. Objectives: To study and compare the QRS axis (in degrees), QRS duration (in seconds) and QRS amplitude (in mV) in asymptomatic obese young adults and apparently healthy normal subjects. Material and Methods: Asymptomatic obese 150 young adults in the age group of 18 – 39 years with BMI ≥ 30 kg/mas study subjects, age and sex matched 150 healthy individuals with BMI <22 kg/m were taken as controls from the general population. The weight in kilograms and height in meters was measured and Body Mass Index (BMI), Body Surface Area (BSA) and WaistHip Ratio (WHR) were calculated using standard methods. A 12-lead ECG was taken after 10 minutes of rest. Data was expressed in terms of mean ± SD. Unpaired ‘t’-test was done to study the difference in QRS complex. Results: Mean QRS axis (in degrees) in study subjects was 38.9±33.6 vs 56.5±33.4 in controls and was statistically significant. QRS duration (in seconds) in study subjects was 0.09 ± 0.01 vs 0.08±0.01 in controls and was statistically significant. QRS amplitude was increased in cases but was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Our results suggest that obese individuals, being asymptomatic, have higher anthropometric values and abnormal QRS complex, which needs a regular check to reduce the chances of their manifestation, at a future date.