Diagnostic values of electrocardiogram in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
<b>Background</b> : Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD), a broad spectrum of respiratory diseases represents a worldwide problem. Electrocardiographic (ECG) findings may help in clinical decision making regarding this disease entity. Aims: To evaluate the extent and diagnostic...
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications
2008-01-01
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| Series: | Lung India |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.lungindia.com/article.asp?issn=0970-2113;year=2008;volume=25;issue=2;spage=78;epage=81;aulast=Agarwal |
| Summary: | <b>Background</b> : Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD), a broad spectrum of respiratory diseases represents a worldwide problem. Electrocardiographic (ECG) findings may help in clinical decision making regarding this disease entity. Aims: To evaluate the extent and diagnostic values of ECG changes among COPD patients suffering from broad spectrum of respiratory diseases. <b> Material & Methods</b> : A hos-pital based cross-sectional study was conducted in Sworoop Rani Nehru Hospital, Allahabad in Eastern Uttar Pradesh (UP), India. A sample of 60 patients attending respiratory diseases OPD for treatment of various respiratory problems including 14 COPD patients was selected randomly during 2000-2001. Patients of respiratory diseases were also evaluated electrocardiographically along with other investiga-tions. <b> Results</b> : Respiratory problems were more common among rural males of low socio-economic group. COPD particularly chronic bronchitis was the commonest respiratory problem next to pulmonary tuberculosis. Inspite of normal heart rate observed in 71.4% COPD patients, ECG changes were present in 35.7% COPD patients. Peaked P-wave was observed in 35.7% COPD patients, whereas duration of QRS complex was abnormal in only 8.1% of the patients. None of the COPD patients showed abnormal P-wave duration. ECG changes were found less sensitive (35.7%) but highly specific (95.6%). <b> Conclusion</b> : Diagnostic values of ECG among patients with respiratory problems suggest that COPD patients should be screened electrocardiographically in addition to other clinical investigations. |
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| ISSN: | 0970-2113 0974-598X |