Electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy in relation to peripheral and central blood pressure indices in a Nigerian population

Abstract Purpose: Previous studies that addressed whether left ventricular hypertrophy is more closely associated with central than peripheral blood pressure (BP) have been inconsistent. Radial artery wave generated by applanation tonometry and calibrated with brachial BP in 162 adult Nigerians were analysed by using generalized transfer function to derive central BP. Materials and methods: We compared the associations of ECG voltages and left ventricular hypertrophy (ECG-LVH) as continuous and binary variables respectively with central and brachial BP indices. Results: In a multivariable adjusted analysis, 1 standard deviation (SD) increase in brachial systolic, diastolic, pulse and mean arterial pressures increased the Sokolow–Lyon QRS voltage by 0.34 (CI, 0.21–0.48; p < 0.0001), 0.21 (CI, 0.07–0.36; p < 0.05); 0.22 (CI, 0.9–0.34; p < 0.001) and 0.29 (CI, 0.14–0.43) similar to (p > 0.05) corresponding Sokolow–Lyon QRS increase of 0.26 (0.12–0.40, p < 0.001); 0.14 (0.00–0.28, p < 0.05); 0.24 (0.11–0.39; p < 0.001) and 0.19 (0.05–0.34, p < 0.05) respectively observed for 1 SD increment in central pressures. The odds ratio (OR) relating ECG-LVH to 1 SD increase in brachial systolic, pulse, and mean arterial pressures were 2.62 (CI, 1.49–4.65, p < 0.001); 1.88 (CI, 1.19–2.95, p < 0.01) and 2.16 (CI, 1.22–3.82, p < 0.01) was similar to (p > 0.05) corresponding OR of 2.41 (1.33–4.36, p < 0.01); 2.04 (1.23–3.37, p < 0.01); 2.00 (1.11–3.63, p < 0.001) observed for I SD increment in central pressures. Conclusion: Central and peripheral BP are similarly associated with Sokolow–Lyon ECG voltage and hypertrophy.