Abstract:
Hypertension is one of the most common cardiovascular diseases worldwide and a major
contributor to structural and functional heart abnormalities. Early detection of cardiac
involvement in hypertensive patients is crucial to prevent complications. Echocardiography and
Electrocardiography are valuable tools for evaluating cardiac changes associated with
hypertension.
Objective: This study aimed to assess Echocardiography and Electrocardiographic findings
among hypertensive patients visiting chronic follow up at Jimma Medical Center, Jimma,
Ethiopia
Methodology:
A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Jimma Medical Center from
February10-March 20, 2025. The study was focused on hypertensive patients undergoing chronic
follow-up during the specified period. The inclusion of participants was determined through a
systematic random sampling technique.
Data Collection and Analysis:
Data collected by kobo toolbox was exported to excel and then, to IBM SPSS version 26
software package for analysis. Both bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models was
employed. In the bivariate analysis, variables with a P-value less than 0.25 were considered
candidates for inclusion in the multivariable analysis. In the multivariable logistic regression
model, variables with a P-value less than 0.05 were taken as statistically significant.
Results:
All the 268 study participants had Electrocardiography (ECG) and Transthoracic
echocardiography. ECG evaluation showed high rates of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy, 35.4%
by Sokolow-Lyon criteria and 28.4% by Cornell voltage criteria. Left anterior fascicular block
was found in 23.5% of participants, and QTc is prolonged in 7.1% of hypertensive individuals.
TTE evaluation showed high rates of concentric LVH 39.2% and left ventricular internal
v
diastolic diameter(LVIDd) is enlarged in 11.2% participants. In multivariable logistic regression,
Age ≥50Yr ( AOR, 4 [95% CI, 1.76-9.05], P=0.001), DBP≥90mmHg( AOR, 4.3[95% CI, 2.0
9.1], P<0.001), duration of hypertension≥10yrs( AOR, 2.42 [95% CI, 1.17-5.02], P=0.017), total
cholesterol≥240mg/dl( AOR, 7.2[95% CI, 1.5-36], P=0.01), and BMI 25-29Kg/m2( AOR, 4
[95% CI, 1.7-8.7], P=0.001), were significantly associated with LVH on ECG and on TTE LVH
has significant association with Age ≥50yrs( AOR, 3.6[95% CI, 1.8-7.2], P<0.001),
DBP≥90mmHg( AOR, 2.02 [95% CI, 1.1-3.97], P=0.023), and BMI 25-29 Kg/m2( AOR, 3.43
[95% CI, 1.6-7.2], P=0.001), and obesity( AOR, 9.4 [95% CI, 1.9-46.8], P=0.006).
