Racial differences in the ECG — selected aspects

Macfarlane, P.W., Katibi, I.A., Hamde, S.T., Singh, D., Clark, E., Devine, B., Francq, B., Lloyd, S. and Kumar, V. (2014) Racial differences in the ECG — selected aspects. Journal of Electrocardiology, 47(6), pp. 809-814. (doi: 10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2014.08.003)

Abstract

Introduction: Racial differences in the ECG have been known about for many years but there has been no significant comparison of large population groups. This study set out to remedy this shortcoming.<p></p> Methods: Digital ECG data were available for four population samples gathered in Scotland, Taiwan, Nigeria and India. All ECGs were recorded in the different countries and processed centrally by the University of Glasgow ECG Analysis Program. Measurements were analysed statistically to look for significant differences.<p></p> Results: There were 4223 individuals in the study (2559 males and 1664 females). In general terms, findings such as QRS duration being longer in males than females applied to all four races. More specifically, QRS voltages were higher in young black males compared to others, while ST amplitudes, as in V2, were higher in Chinese and Nigerian males than in Caucasians.<p></p> Conclusion: Race requires to be taken into account to enhance automated interpretation of the ECG.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Macfarlane, Professor Peter and Devine, Mr Brian and Clark, Mrs Elaine and Lloyd, Miss Suzanne and Francq, Dr Bernard
• Authors: Macfarlane, P.W., Katibi, I.A., Hamde, S.T., Singh, D., Clark, E., Devine, B., Francq, B., Lloyd, S., and Kumar, V.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Robertson Centre; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
• Journal Name: Journal of Electrocardiology
• Publisher: Elsevier Inc.
• ISSN: 0022-0736
• ISSN (Online): 1532-8430