Gender differences in the prevalence of electrocardiogram abnormalities in the elderly: a population survey in India

The health transition in India reflects the growing burden of cardiovascular diseases. It is well-known that there are significant and meaningful differences in the measured electrocardiogram [ECG] parameters between females and males. Specific to ECG diagnosis and ischemia, reports have indicated a higher number of false positive results in female patients than in male patients. This study was aimed at examining gender difference in the prevalence of ECG abnormality in older people who were free of coronary heart disease [CHD] and its associated risk factors. This study was conducted in Solapur city using 400 apparently healthy asymptomatic subjects with an age range of 45 to 74 years. A resting 12-lead ECG was recorded in supine position in accordance with classical recommendations. The various ECG abnormalities were defined according to Minnesota code. The findings were analyzed using Chi Square test at P<0.05. Out of 400 ECGs recorded, 152 showed abnormalities. The prevalence of ECG abnormalities was significantly [P<0.001] more in males than in females. Major prevalence of ECG abnormalities in males observed were LAD, LVH, sinus bradycardia, LBBB and Q/QS patterns. There was no significant gender difference in the prevalence of other ECG abnormalities. This study has outlined the overall prevalence of ECG abnormalities in males as well as in females in Solapur city. We found highly significant [P<0.001] increase in the prevalence of ECG abnormalities in males as compare to females

How effective is sun salutation in improving muscle strength, general body endurance and body composition?

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate effects of regular practice of sun salutation on muscle strength, general body endurance and body composition. Subjects [49 male and 30 female] performed 24 cycles of sun salutation, 6 days a week for 24 weeks. Upper body muscle strength was determined by 1 repetition maximum [1RM] for bench press and shoulder press technique. Back and leg dynamometry was used to assess strength of back and leg muscles. General body endurance was evaluated by push-up and sit-up tests. Body composition was assessed by noting% body fat by using bioelectric impedance analysis. Perceived intensity of exercise by subjects was noted by Borg scale. Muscle strength by bench press showed significant increase in male [29.49 +/- 9.70 to 36.12 +/- 9.09 Kg, P<0.001] and female [10.5 +/- 4.42 to 13.16|/-4.44 Kg, P<0.001] subjects. Strength by shoulder press also increased [males; 22.96 +/- 9.57 Kg to 26.53 +/- 11.05 Kg, P<0.001, females; 6.83 +/- 2.78 to 8.83 +/- 3.87, P<0.001]. Endurance by push-ups and sit-ups showed similar findings in male [19.0 +/- 9.58 to 21.98 +/- 8.98, P<0.001 and 24.92 +/- 10.41 to 29.84 +/- 12.64, P<0.001 respectively] and female [14.66 +/- 6.80 to 18.56 +/- 6.97 and 13.16 +/- 7.75 to 19.23 +/- 8.25, P<0.001 respectively] subjects. A significant decrease in body fat percent was observed only in female [27.68 +/- 5.46 to 25.76 +/- 4.72, P<0.001] but not in male subjects. BMI significantly decreased in both the groups [z=4.37, P<001 and t=5.41, P<0.00l respectively]. From our observations we conclude that sun salutation can be an ideal exercise to keep oneself in optimum level of fitness