Electrocardiographic changes in patients with acute stroke: an overview

ABSTRACT

To determine the frequency of ECG changes in patients with acute stroke but without any underlying cardiac disease. Observational study ICU Medical unit II, Civil Hospital Karachi Nov, 2004 to Nov, 2006. All the patients who were admitted in the ICU and had first time stroke were taken in the study. Patients who had TIA, preexisting cardiac disease or on cardiac medication, electrolyte imbalances and brain-stem stroke were excluded from the study. Day one ECG considered in the study and data analyzed on SPSS version.10.0. This was the prospective observational study based on two years. The frequency of ECG abnormalities [n = 64 or was 64%].The most common stroke related ECG abnormality among 100 patients was prolonged QT interval and was found in 64% of the patients with SAH and 56% in ICH and 36% ischemic stroke. Characteristic T-wave inversions were seen commonly in ICH 46% as compared to 33% in SAH and 21% in Ischemic stroke. Electrocardiographic changes are commonly seen in patients with acute stroke, both in ischemic and hemorrhagic variety. Theses changes sometimes create diagnostic and management dilemmas especially with no preexisting cardiac disease. Patients with ECG abnormalities in acute stroke should be advised for long term follow-up to predict outcome as well