Comparative Study of ECG (Electrocardiogram Wave Forms) Parameters in Menopausal and Non-Menopausal Adult Female

Abstract

The potential effects of menopause on ECG waveforms in adult women have been the subject of previous research, but the findings have been inconsistent. Some studies have suggested that menopause may lead to changes in ECG parameters, such as QTc interval prolongation and decreased heart rate variability, which may increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. This study was a cross-sectional design, which allows for the comparison of the ECG patterns in menopausal and non-menopausal adult females. Twenty (20) consenting adult female participants, including 10 menopausal women and 10 non-menopausal women, recruited from Ekpoma metropolitan, Edo State, Nigeria. Their ECG was recorded using a standard ECG machine. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics to determine the mean, standard deviation, and range of ECG parameters in non - menopausal and menopausal women. To compare ECG parameters between women who were not menopausal and those who were, independent sample t-tests were employed. Data analysis was done with Graph Pad prism version 8.0.1 (244). The results were expressed as means ± SEM. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Several studies have demonstrated differences in ECG parameters between men and women, with women exhibiting longer QT intervals, higher heart rates than men. There is no significant difference in ECG parameters including P-wave duration and Amplitude between menopausal and non-menopausal adult females. Hence, this present study. could infer the following; that the ECG wave forms in menopausal and non-menopausal adult female was investigated, that after a comparative analysis was carried, there was a statistically significant difference in the P-wave duration and Amplitude, Left ventricular hypertrophy and  T-wave Amplitude between the menopausal and non-menopausal adult women group. There was a statistically no significant difference in the Q-wave duration and Amplitude, R-R interval, S-T segment and Right ventricular hypertrophy between the menopausal and non-menopausal adult women group. The findings obtained is suggestive on the fact that menopause have significant impact on ECG patterns. That owing to the abnormal ECG patterns obtained in the menopausal women group, it is an indicator that menopausal adult female may be predisposed to the developing Cardiovascular diseases, this present study recommend regular routine ECG check.