P-wave dispersion: a possible warning sign of hypertension in children.

INTRODUCTION: Hypertension and obesity in adults have been linked to increased EKG P-wave dispersion; the association has been shown in relation to hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy and atrial enlargement. Though studies in children have linked P-wave dispersion to left ventricular hypertrophy, scant pediatric literature relates P-wave dispersion to hypertension and obesity. OBJECTIVE: Assess the association of P-wave dispersion with blood pressure and nutritional status in a pediatric population. METHODS: This cross-sectional study is part of the PROCDEC II project for pediatric hypertension diagnosis and control in Santa Clara, Cuba. Twelve-lead EKG and four blood pressure readings were conducted on a sample of 656 children aged 8-11 years. Blood pressure <90th percentile for age, sex and height was considered normal; 90th-95th percentile, prehypertension; and >95th percentile, hypertension. The main study variables were P-wave dispersion and systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressure (MAP). Secondary variables were sex, height, weight, and body mass index. Comparisons of means, analysis of variance and linear correlations were done. RESULTS: Mean P-wave dispersion differed significantly (p ≤0.05) among normotensive (30.10 ms), prehypertensive (32.99 ms) and hypertensive children (39.14 ms), as did mean MAP (p <0.05). P-wave dispersion and MAP were significantly correlated in prehypertensive and hypertensive children. Most overweight and obese children with high P-wave dispersion were prehypertensive or hypertensive. CONCLUSIONS: Associations observed between P-wave dispersion and MAP in normotensive, prehypertensive and hypertensive children suggest potential for early detection of EKG patterns showing vulnerability. Given the relationship between increased P-wave dispersion and hypertension already described in adults, use of P-wave dispersion could be a simple, economical and noninvasive method of predicting risk of hypertensive cardiomyopathy in prehypertensive and hypertensive children; this in turn could guide timely, effective treatment and secondary prevention. Similar studies on a larger sample are needed to corroborate these results.

Relationship between P wave dispersion, left ventricular mass index and blood pressure.

INTRODUCTION: The study of arterial hypertension risk factors in children guarantees the establishment of health policies to avoid complications associated with this illness in the future. The highest values of P-wave dispersion during sinus rhythm are pointed as predictors of atrial fibrillation in adulthood since there is an association between arterial hypertension, P-wave dispersion and left ventricular hypertrophy. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between blood pressure, left ventricular mass index and P-wave dispersion in the pediatric population. POPULATION AND METHODS: In the frame of the PROCDEC II project, children from 8 to 11 years old, without known heart conditions were studied. Arterial blood pressure was measured in all the children; a 12-lead surface ECG and an echocardiogram were done as well. RESULTS: Left ventricular mass index mean values for normotensive (25.21 ± 5.96 g/m²) and hypertensive (30.38 ± 7.39 g/m²) children showed significant differences (p= 0.000). The mean value of the left atrial area was significantly different (p= 0.000) when comparing prehypertensive (10.98 ± 2.23 cm2) and hypertensive (12.21 ± 1.27 cm²) children to normotensive ones (10.66 ± 2.38 cm²). The correlation of P-wave dispersion and the left ventricular mass index showed an r= 0.87 and p= 0.000. CONCLUSIONS: P-wave dispersion is increased in pre- and hypertensive children compared to normotensive ones. A dependence of the P-wave dispersion of the left ventricular mass index was found in hypertensive children.

Relación entre la dispersión de la onda P, el índice de masa ventricular izquierda y la tensión arterial / Relationship between P wave dispersion, left ventricular mass index and blood pressure

Introducción. El estudio de los factores de riesgo para padecer hipertensión arterial en los niños garantiza establecer políticas de salud a fin de evitar futuras complicaciones asociadas a esta enfermedad. Los mayores valores de dispersión de la onda P, mientras el paciente está en ritmo sinusal, se señalan como predictores de fibrilación auricular en el adulto, ya que existe una asociación entre la hipertensión arterial, la dispersión de la onda P y la hipertrofia ventricular izquierda. Nuestro objetivo fue determinar la relación entre la tensión arterial, el índice de masa ventricular izquierda y la dispersión de la onda P en pediatría. Población y métodos. Se estudiaron, en el marco del proyecto PROCDEC II, niños de 8 a 11 años, sin cardiopatías conocidas. En todos se midió la tensión arterial y se realizó un electrocardiograma de superficie de 12 derivaciones y un ecocardiograma. Resultados. Los valores de la media del índice de masa ventricular izquierda para normotensos (25,21 ± 5,96 g/m²) e hipertensos (30,38 ± 7,39 g/m²) mostraron diferencias significativas (p= 0,000). La media del área auricular izquierda mostró diferencias significativas (p= 0,000) al comparar los prehipertensos (10,98 ± 2,23 cm²) e hipertensos (12,21 ± 1,27 cm²) con los normotensos (10,66 ± 2,38 cm²). La correlación entre la dispersión de la onda P y el índice de masa ventricular izquierda mostró r= 0,87 y p= 0,000. Conclusiones. La dispersión de la onda P está incrementada en los prehipertensos e hipertensos en relación con los normotensos. Se encontró una dependencia de la dispersión de la onda P del índice de masa ventricular izquierda en los hipertensos.

Introduction. The study of arterial hypertension risk factors in children guarantees the establishment of health policies to avoid complications associated with this illness in the future. The highest values of P-wave dispersion during sinus rhythm are pointed as predictors of atrial fibrillation in adulthood since there is an association between arterial hypertension, P-wave dispersion and left ventricular hypertrophy. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between blood pressure, left ventricular mass index and P-wave dispersion in the pediatric population. Population and methods. In the frame of the PROCDEC II project, children from 8 to 11 years old, without known heart conditions were studied. Arterial blood pressure was measured in all the children; a 12-lead surface ECG and an echocardiogram were done as well. Results. Left ventricular mass index mean values for normotensive (25.21 ± 5.96 g/m²) and hypertensive (30.38 ± 7.39 g/m²) children showed significant differences (p= 0.000). The mean value of the left atrial area was significantly different (p= 0.000) when comparing prehypertensive (10.98 ± 2.23 cm2) and hypertensive (12.21 ± 1.27 cm²) children to normotensive ones (10.66 ± 2.38 cm²). The correlation of P-wave dispersion and the left ventricular mass index showed an r= 0.87 and p= 0.000. Conclusions. P-wave dispersion is increased in pre- and hypertensive children compared to normotensive ones. A dependence of the P-wave dispersion of the left ventricular mass index was found in hypertensive children.

Relación entre la dispersión de la onda P, el índice de masa ventricular izquierda y la tensión arterial / Relationship between P wave dispersion, left ventricular mass index and blood pressure

Introducción. El estudio de los factores de riesgo para padecer hipertensión arterial en los niños garantiza establecer políticas de salud a fin de evitar futuras complicaciones asociadas a esta enfermedad. Los mayores valores de dispersión de la onda P, mientras el paciente está en ritmo sinusal, se señalan como predictores de fibrilación auricular en el adulto, ya que existe una asociación entre la hipertensión arterial, la dispersión de la onda P y la hipertrofia ventricular izquierda. Nuestro objetivo fue determinar la relación entre la tensión arterial, el índice de masa ventricular izquierda y la dispersión de la onda P en pediatría. Población y métodos. Se estudiaron, en el marco del proyecto PROCDEC II, niños de 8 a 11 años, sin cardiopatías conocidas. En todos se midió la tensión arterial y se realizó un electrocardiograma de superficie de 12 derivaciones y un ecocardiograma. Resultados. Los valores de la media del índice de masa ventricular izquierda para normotensos (25,21 ± 5,96 g/m²) e hipertensos (30,38 ± 7,39 g/m²) mostraron diferencias significativas (p= 0,000). La media del área auricular izquierda mostró diferencias significativas (p= 0,000) al comparar los prehipertensos (10,98 ± 2,23 cm²) e hipertensos (12,21 ± 1,27 cm²) con los normotensos (10,66 ± 2,38 cm²). La correlación entre la dispersión de la onda P y el índice de masa ventricular izquierda mostró r= 0,87 y p= 0,000. Conclusiones. La dispersión de la onda P está incrementada en los prehipertensos e hipertensos en relación con los normotensos. Se encontró una dependencia de la dispersión de la onda P del índice de masa ventricular izquierda en los hipertensos.(AU)

Introduction. The study of arterial hypertension risk factors in children guarantees the establishment of health policies to avoid complications associated with this illness in the future. The highest values of P-wave dispersion during sinus rhythm are pointed as predictors of atrial fibrillation in adulthood since there is an association between arterial hypertension, P-wave dispersion and left ventricular hypertrophy. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between blood pressure, left ventricular mass index and P-wave dispersion in the pediatric population. Population and methods. In the frame of the PROCDEC II project, children from 8 to 11 years old, without known heart conditions were studied. Arterial blood pressure was measured in all the children; a 12-lead surface ECG and an echocardiogram were done as well. Results. Left ventricular mass index mean values for normotensive (25.21 ± 5.96 g/m²) and hypertensive (30.38 ± 7.39 g/m²) children showed significant differences (p= 0.000). The mean value of the left atrial area was significantly different (p= 0.000) when comparing prehypertensive (10.98 ± 2.23 cm2) and hypertensive (12.21 ± 1.27 cm²) children to normotensive ones (10.66 ± 2.38 cm²). The correlation of P-wave dispersion and the left ventricular mass index showed an r= 0.87 and p= 0.000. Conclusions. P-wave dispersion is increased in pre- and hypertensive children compared to normotensive ones. A dependence of the P-wave dispersion of the left ventricular mass index was found in hypertensive children.(AU)

Dependence of P-wave dispersion on mean arterial pressure as an independent hemodynamic variable in school children.

INTRODUCTION: The relationship between diastolic dysfunction and P-wave dispersion (PWD) in the electrocardiogram has been studied for some time. In this regard, echocardiography is emerging as a diagnostic tool to improve risk stratification for mild hypertension. OBJECTIVE: To determine the dependence of PWD on the electrocardiogram and on echocardiographic variables in a pediatric population. METHODS: 515 children from three elementary schools were studied from a total of 565 children. Those whose parents did not want them to take part in the study, as well as those with known congenital diseases, were excluded. Tests including 12-lead surface ECGs and 4 blood pressure (BP) measurements were performed. Maximum and minimum P-values were measured, and the PWD on the electrocardiogram was calculated. Echocardiography for structural measurements and the pulsed Doppler of mitral flow were also performed. RESULTS: A significant correlation in statistical variables was found between PWD and mean BP for pre-hypertensive and hypertensive children, i.e., r = 0.32, p <0.01 and r = 0.33, p <0.01, respectively. There was a significant correlation found between PWD and the left atrial area (r = 0.45 and p <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: We highlight the dependency between PWD, the electrocardiogram and mean blood pressure. We also draw attention to the dependence of PWD on the duration of the mitral inflow A-wave. This result provides an explanation for earlier changes in atrial electrophysiological and hemodynamic characteristics in pediatric patients.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La relación entre la disfunción diastólica y la dispersión de la onda P (PWD) en el electrocardiograma se ha estudiado durante algún tiempo. En este sentido, la ecocardiografía se está convirtiendo en una herramienta de diagnóstico para mejorar la estratificación de riesgo en la hipertensión leve. OBJETIVO: Determinar la dependencia de las PCD en el electrocardiograma de las variables ecocardiográficas en una población pediátrica. MÉTODOS: 515 niños de tres escuelas primarias fueron estudiados, de un total de 565 niños. Aquellos cuyos padres no quieren que participen en el estudio, así como aquellos con enfermedades congénitas conocidas, fueron los ECG de superficie excluded.12 derivaciones y 4 de presión arterial (PA) se realizó mediciones. Máxima y P-valores mínimos fueron medidos y la discapacidad en el electrocardiograma se calculó. También se realizaron ecocardiografía para medidas estructurales y Doppler pulsado del flujo mitral. RESULTADOS: Se encontró una correlación significativa en variables estadísticas entre personas con discapacidad y la media de BP para niños prehipertensos e hipertensos r = 0,32, p <0,01 yr = 0,33, p <0,01, respectivamente. Existe una correlación significativa entre PWD y área de la aurícula izquierda (r = 0,45 y p <0,01). CONCLUSIONES: Se destaca la dependencia de las PCD, el electrocardiograma y la media de la presión arterial. También llamamos la atención a la dependencia de personas con discapacidad en la duración de la entrada de la onda A mitral, así que quizás este resultado proporciona una explicación de los cambios anteriores en las características de electrofisiología auricular y hemodinámicas en pacientes pediátricos.

Relationship between P wave dispersion, left ventricular mass index and blood pressure. / Relationship between P wave dispersion, left ventricular mass index and blood pressure.

INTRODUCTION: The study of arterial hypertension risk factors in children guarantees the establishment of health policies to avoid complications associated with this illness in the future. The highest values of P-wave dispersion during sinus rhythm are pointed as predictors of atrial fibrillation in adulthood since there is an association between arterial hypertension, P-wave dispersion and left ventricular hypertrophy. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between blood pressure, left ventricular mass index and P-wave dispersion in the pediatric population. POPULATION AND METHODS: In the frame of the PROCDEC II project, children from 8 to 11 years old, without known heart conditions were studied. Arterial blood pressure was measured in all the children; a 12-lead surface ECG and an echocardiogram were done as well. RESULTS: Left ventricular mass index mean values for normotensive (25.21 ± 5.96 g/m²) and hypertensive (30.38 ± 7.39 g/m²) children showed significant differences (p= 0.000). The mean value of the left atrial area was significantly different (p= 0.000) when comparing prehypertensive (10.98 ± 2.23 cm2) and hypertensive (12.21 ± 1.27 cm²) children to normotensive ones (10.66 ± 2.38 cm²). The correlation of P-wave dispersion and the left ventricular mass index showed an r= 0.87 and p= 0.000. CONCLUSIONS: P-wave dispersion is increased in pre- and hypertensive children compared to normotensive ones. A dependence of the P-wave dispersion of the left ventricular mass index was found in hypertensive children.

Incremento en la dispersión de la onda P al disminuir el tiempo de eyección auricular en hipertensos y prehipertensos / Increment in P wave dispersion by decreasing atrial ejection time in hypertensive and prehypertensive patients

Introducción: hace algunos años se viene estudiando la relación entre disfunción diastólica y dispersión de la onda P del electrocardiograma, y en este sentido, la ecocardiografía emerge como herramienta para mejorar la estratificación de riesgo en hipertensos leves. Objetivo: determinar la dependencia de la dispersión de la onda P del electrocardiograma de variables ecocardiográficas en una población pediátrica. Métodos: se estudiaron 400 niños, de un total de 450, pertenecientes a tres escuelas primarias, y se excluyeron aquellos cuyos padres no desearon que participaran en el estudio y a quienes tuvieran patologías congénitas conocidas. Se realizó electrocardiograma de superficie de doce derivaciones y se practicaron cuatro tomas de presión arterial. Se midieron los valores de P máxima y P mínima, y se calculó la dispersión de la onda P del electrocardiograma; además se hizo, ecocardiografía para mediciones estructurales y Doppler pulsado del flujo mitral. Resultados: los valores de media para la duración de la onda A del flujo mitral no muestran diferencias significativas; sin embargo, existe un coeficiente de correlación (r) y p significativos entre la dispersión de la onda P y la duración de la onda A del flujo mitral para normotensos (r= - 0,117 p=0,05), prehipertensos (r= - 0,309 p=0,001) e hipertensos (r= - 0,586 p=0,001). Existen diferencias significativas entre las medias de dispersión de la onda P entre los grupos de diagnóstico. Conclusiones: se evidencia dependencia de la dispersión de la onda P, del electrocardiograma y de la duración de la onda A del flujo de entrada mitral, hechos que se relacionan con riesgo de fibrilación auricular en el adulto, por lo que quizás este resultado dé un acercamiento a predicciones de riesgo más tempranas en edades pediátricas.

Introduction: the relationship between diastolic dysfunction and P wave dispersion in the electrocardiogram is being studied since some years ago, and in this regard echocardiography is emerging as a tool to improve risk stratification in mild hypertension. Objective: to determine the dependence of the dispersion of the P wave of electrocardiogram with echocardiographic variables in a pediatric population. Methods: we studied 400 children from a total of 450 belonging to three elementary schools, and excluded those whose parents did not want them to participate in the study and those who had known congenital diseases. We performed 12-lead surface ECG and 4 blood pressure takings. We measured maximum and minimum P values and calculated P wave dispersion in the electrocardiogram. Echocardiography for structural measurements and pulsed Doppler of mitral flow were also performed. Results: mean values for duration of A wave of mitral flow showed no significant differences; however, there is a correlation coefficient (r) and significant p between P wave dispersion and duration of mitral flow A wave for normotensive (r = - 0.117 p = 0.05), NT (r = - 0.309 p = 0.001) and hypertensive (r = - 0.586 p = 0.001). There are significant differences between the mean P wave dispersion between diagnostic groups. Conclusions: we highlight the dependence of P wave dispersion, the electrocardiogram and the duration of the mitral inflow A wave, events that are related to risk of atrial fibrillation in adults, so perhaps this result gives an approach to earlier risk predictions in pediatric patients.

Hipertensión arterial en población pediátrica, sus efectos en la dispersión de la onda P y el área auricular izquierda / Hipertension in pediatric patients: effects upon P wave dispersion and left atrial area

Antecedentes: Entre los factores descritos para desarrollar fibrilación auricular se encuentra el mayor tamaño de la aurícula izquierda; esto lleva a cambios en sus propiedades eléctricas y a mayores valores de dispersión de la onda P del electrocardiograma. Objetivo: Determinar la dispersión de la onda P con relación al área de la aurícula izquierda en niños entre 8 a 11 años. Métodos: Se estudiaron 400 niños aparentemente sanos de ese rango de edad. Se les realizó electrocardiograma de superficie de 12 derivaciones para medir los valores de P máxima, P mínima y se calculó la dispersión de la onda P; se les midió 4 veces la presión arterial. Se realizó además, ecocardiograma para medición del área auricular izquierda. Resultados: Los valores de media de dispersión de la onda P aumentan desde normotensos a hipertensos (32.5 a 38.5 ms, respectivamente), existiendo diferencias significativas intergrupos, encontrando la mayor significación al comparar los normotensos con el grupo de prehipertensos (p=0.001). Un estudio de regresión demostró la dependencia de la dispersión de la onda P del electrocardiograma en el grupo de normotensos y prehipertensos con r=0,22 y p<0.05. Una regresión lineal para la muestra de niños hipertensos muestra una correlación positiva para la dependencia de la onda P con el área auricular izquierda. Conclusiones: Existe dependencia de la dispersión de la onda P del electrocardiograma con el área auricular izquierda, así como diferencias significativas entre valores medios de dispersión de la onda P en los subgrupos de niños normotensos, prehipertensos e hipertensos.

Background: left atrial size is a recognized factor in-creasing the risk of atrial fibrillation. Left atrial electrical properties are modified, with a greater dispersion of the P wave on the electrocardiogram. Aim: to determine the relation between left atrial area and P wave dispersion in children. Methods: 400 healthy children from 8 to 11 years of age had a 12 lead ECG. Maximum and minimum voltages of the P wave and P wave dispersion were measured. Blood pressure was recorded in 4 separate measurements. Echocardiography was used to determine left atrial area. Results: Compared to normotensive children, mean dispersion of the P wave was higher in hypertensives (38.5 vs 32.5 ms, respectively). The most significant difference was observed between normotensives and pre-hypertensive children (regression analysis, p=0.001). Linear regression analysis showed a positive correlation of P wave dispersion and left atrial area Conclusion: P wave dispersion and left atrial area are positively correlated in groups of normal, pre-hypertensive and hypertensive children. The corresponding mean values of dispersion follow the same tendency.