Variations In Electrocardiographic Changes Across Different Spectrums Of Heart Failure

Abstract

Objective: Study aims to compare the electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities in patients of heart failure presenting with
different spectrum of syndrome based upon value of ejection fraction.

Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study based on previous record and new cases collected from Department
of cardiology, Benazir Bhutto Hospital. Consecutive sampling was done and data of patients with HF who were admitted or
visited outdoor clinics of hospital was collected. The data was entered and analyzed in SPSS version 25.

Results: The study found that male and female heart failure patients have different EF distributions. EF is more likely to be
reduced in men and mildly in women. Age was also associated with cardiomyopathy (p=0.022). There was a significant
association between smoking and the development of heart failure. Heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction
(HFrEF) have longer PR and QT intervals, ST segment elevation, and T wave inversion. The study found that arrhythmia
distribution differed by ejection fraction. HFrEF patients had a higher rate of atrial fibrillation (3%) and flutter (8%) than
HFpEF or HFmrEF patients.

Conclusion: We found that patients with HFrEF are more likely to have ECG abnormalities and arrhythmias than patients
with other types of heart failure. Early detection and treatment of arrhythmias can help to prevent serious complications.

Keywords: Heart failure, ECG, Ejection Fraction, Arrhythmia.