Evaluations on the R Wave in asymptomatic subjects: a preliminary report

Abstract

This preliminary cross-sectional survey on the R wave of the 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) was undertaken to evaluate the normal R wave duration and amplitude of the young adult Nigerian from Jos; to ascertain significant correlation coefficients for R wave duration and amplitude, age and anthropometric measurements and to derive prediction equations.
The study population consisted of one hundred and nine (109) subjects aged nineteen to thirty years (mean age 21.7 years). The range for the mean R wave duration was 0.022 ± 0.006 second in V1 to 0.315 ± 0.021 second in V5. The range for the mean R wave amplitude was 0.196 ± 0.103 mV in aVL to 1.078 ± 0.515 mV in V4. Significant inverse correlation was found between R wave duration and: age, height and systolic blood pressure. Significant inverse correlation was found between R wave amplitude and: age, height and systolic blood pressure. Significant correlation was found between R wave amplitude and: height, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and chest circumference. Significant correlation was found between R wave duration and weight, diastolic blood pressure and chest circumference. Prediction equations were derived for the mean R wave duration and: age, systolic blood pressure, height and diastolic blood pressure. Prediction equations were derived for R wave amplitude and: height, age, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure.
The study has estimated the mean values for the R wave duration and amplitude in the 12-lead ECG as well as the normal range. It has also documented some derived predictable equations. The results can provide invaluable guidance about the interpretation of normal R wave duration and amplitude in this setting in particular and in Nigeria at large.


Nigerian Journal of Health and Biomedical Sciences Vol. 7 (1) 2008 pp. 7-10