Evaluation and Comparison of Electrocardiographic and Echocardiographic Findings in Pregnant Women: A Prospective Study

Sepideh  Miraj; Venus  Shahabi Rabori; Majid  Majidimehr; Somayeh  Zamanifard

doi:10.18502/jimc.v9i2.21183

Sepideh Miraj Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Nekouei Hedayati Forghani Hospital, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
Venus Shahabi Rabori Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
Majid Majidimehr Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Somayeh Zamanifard Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine, Hajar Hospital, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jimc.v9i2.21183

Keywords: Echocardiography, Electrocardiography, Pregnancy

Abstract

Background: Physiological changes during pregnancy occur in all organs, including the cardiovascular system. Since these changes may mimic the symptoms associated with diseases, awareness of them is very important to manage the condition. The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating and comparing Trans Thoracic Echocardiography (TTE) and ECG findings in pregnant women <35 and ≥35 years old.

Methods: The present descriptive-cross-sectional study was conducted in a comparative manner on 200 pregnant women referring to Imam Ali Clinic and Hajar Shahrekord Hospital. The data of the study was collected using a researcher-made checklist including demographic information and information related to pregnancy, TTE and ECG findings. SPSS version 24 software was used for data analysis.

Results: TTE and ECG indices have been evaluated in both groups. Based on the results, it was shown that the average indices of QRS axis, LAD, AO, LVDD, PAP, RVDD, IVSD and PW were lower in the <35 group of patients compared to the ≥35 group. The difference in the average indices between the two groups was statistically significant (p<0.05). On the other hand, it was shown that the average indices of LVEF, LVSD, and TAPSE in patients of the ≥35 group were significantly lower compared to the <35 group of patients (p<0.05).

Conclusion: With the increase in the gestational age of women, the rate of changes in heart parameters increases, which indicates that age as a risk factor can affect the function of the heart.