Abstract 11761: Electrocardiogram Abnormalities in Ages 75 to 99 in a Diverse Inner-City Population

IntroductionThe oldest old is the fastest growing segment of the population. Electrocardiograms in the elderly are often different compared to younger populations but a normal geriatric ECG has never been defined.ObjectiveTo examine the electrocardiographic findings in a geriatric, inner-city population.MethodsThis is a retrospective study of an ECG database including inpatient and outpatient ECGs collected between 2000 and 2013 of a diverse inner-city population. For each individual, the first ECG present in our database with age at collection between 75 and 99 years was included. The duration of PR interval, QRS, QTc and ventricular rate were automated by ECG equipment and were used for determination of wide QRS, QTc prolongation, tachycardia, bradycardia, short PR and first degree AV block. The diagnosis statement, confirmed by a cardiologist, was used for analysis of all other rhythm, axis, voltage, conduction and infarction parameters. ECGs were grouped in 5-year age groups for analysis.ResultsECGs for 38,707 individuals were included with average age of 82.8 years. Female patients represented 62.9% of subjects. Abnormal ECGs were more frequent with age. Trends included increasing PR interval, QRS width, QTc prolongation and ventricular rate with age. Rhythm disturbances included an increase in abnormal ECGs, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, premature complexes and paced rhythms. Right axis deviation decreased and left axis deviation increased with age. Left ventricular hypertrophy and low voltage increased with age.ConclusionsElderly patients tend to have ECG abnormalities that increase in frequency with age. Common findings included slowing of AV conduction at the level of the AV node or His Purkinje system, left axis deviation and atrial fibrillation.