Normal limits of the electrocardiogram in Nigerians.

Abstract: Background: There has been no large study of ECG measures derived by automated methods in an apparently healthy indigenous West African population. Methods: ECGs were recorded from apparently healthy Nigerians and analysed using automated methods. Age and sex based normal ranges were then established. Results: A total of 782 males and 479 females aged between 20 and 87years were studied. Mean QRS duration in males was 87.9±9.4ms and 83.4±7.6ms in females (P <.0001). Mean QTc (Hodges) was 393±16ms in males and 406±16ms in females (P <.0001). The Cornell index (SV3+RaVL) was higher in males and decreased with increasing age in males though the reverse was true in females (P <.0001). STj amplitude was lower in older compared to younger males and higher in males. Conclusion: This is the first large study of automated ECG measurements from healthy blacks living in West Africa which allows the determination of ECG normal limits in such a population. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]