P-wave Duration and Dispersion in Lone Obesity

Objective: To assess P-wave duration and dispersion (PD) in morbidly obese young subjects who do not have co-associated atrial fibrillation (AF) risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes, atrial enlargement and diastolic dysfunction. Study Design: An observational cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal University Medical Faculty, Turkey; and the study was conducted between October 2017 and June 2018. Methodology: P-wave duration and dispersions were determined on 12-lead surface ECG in 47 morbidly obese and 44 healthy weight subjects, aged between 21-40 years. Above mentioned risk factors were studied. The correlation between BMI, PD and Pmax were investigated by Pearson correlation analysis. Results: Average body mass index (BMI) of obese and control groups were 42.3 (8.5) vs. 19.5 (1.5) (P < 0.001). Maximum P-wave duration [(Pmax), 105.3 +/- 9.8 vs. 95.6 +/- 8.5, p<0.001] and PD [27.6 (7.6) vs. 12.2(8.3), p<0.001] were statistically significantly prolonged in obese patients when compared to the normal weight group. BMI correlation with Pmax and PD (r=0.485; p<0.001 and r=0.620; p<0.001, respectively) were significant. Conclusion: Pmax and PD, which are potential electrocardiographic AF predictors, may increase in lone obese patients having no comorbidities.