Relationship between P-wave dispersion, left ventricular mass index and function in Nigerian hypertensive patients

Hypertension is the most prevalent cardiovascular disorder in the world. It is associated with target-organ damage in various organs and ECG changes. P-wave dispersion (PWD). which represents inhomogeneous atrial conduction and discontinuation of impulses, has been observed. when prolonged, to predict atrial fibrillation, particularly in the setting of hypertension. This study of PWD in 150 hypertensive patients and controls sought to determine the prevalence of PWD in Nigerian hypertensives and its relationship to left ventricular mass index and left ventricular function. Mean PWD in normal subjects was 32.14 +/- 4.72 ms and was significantly shorter than that in hypertensive patients at 38.29 +/- 8.02 ms. In the total population, 51.3% had prolonged PWD (> 33.46 ms); 70% in the hypertensives and 32.7% of controls. The only significant difference in hypertensives with prolonged and normal PWD was the waist circumference. There was a negative correlation between PWD and ejection fraction (r = -0.17, p = 0.03). but not with diastolic function.