QT Dispersion in Healthy Adult Nigerians

Background: Increase in QT dispersion (QTd) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.Objectives: This study sought to (i) determine the mean QTd and (ii) characterise QTd in a healthy Nigerian population.Methods: One hundred healthy Nigerian adults were studied. Healthy status of the subjects was determined by history and physical examination. A resting 12- lead ECG was obtained from all subjects for determination of QTc, QTd and ECG left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) using Sokolow Lyon (SL) and Araoye's codes. Echocardiography was used to determine LV systolic function, LVM and LVMI for 60 subjects.Results: The QTd ranged from 15-70ms with a mean value of 38.5±11.2ms. QTd was independent of age (p= 0.86), sex (p= 0.97), heart rate (p=0.22), blood pressure (p > 0.05), BMI (p=0.81), QTc (p=0.41), LVH (ECG and echo) and LV systolic function (p>0.05).Conclusion: QT dispersion is independent of demographic parameters, LV systolic function and LV hypertrophy in healthy adult Nigerians.Keywords: QT dispersion, Healthy, Adult Nigerian

May Measurement Month 2019: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Nigeria

The aim of this study is to estimate the frequency of undetected hypertension across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. We conducted an opportunistic screening of adults aged at least 18 years in the month of May 2019. Participants were recruited by trained volunteers using the May Measurement Month protocol. Blood pressure (BP) was measured using validated digital and mercury sphygmomanometers. We defined hypertension as BP ≥140/90 mmHg or the use of BP-lowering medication. A total of 3646 participants (52.8% females) with a mean age of 44.5 ± 15.7 years were screened. Hypertension was present in 39.2% of the participants but only 55. 4% of these were on antihypertensive medications. Only 46.8% hypertensives who were on medications had their BP controlled (<140/90 mmHg). Previous history of hypertension in pregnancy, alcohol intake and smoking were associated with increased mean systolic and diastolic BPs. The frequency of Nigerians with hypertension is high while only about half of those on antihypertensive medications are controlled. A multi-pronged approach to reduce the burden of hypertension is needed