Electrocardiogram in general and family practice: Study of the results of the tests requested in a health centre [O eletrocardiograma na consulta de medicina geral e familiar - resultados dos exames requisitados num centro de saúde]

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2013

Authors

Paulo Santos (Author) FMUP; Luciana Couto (Author) FMUP; Alberto Hespanhol (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: Arquivos de Medicina

Vol. 27 No. 3

Pages: 15-18

ISSN: 0871-3413

Publisher: A E F M U P, Alameda prof. H. Montiero

Indexing

Scopus - 0 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-009-JCK

Abstract (EN): Background: Electrocardiogram (ECG) is an important diagnostic test on daily Family Medicine office visits. Aim: To quantify the results of readings of ECGs performed during daily practice of an urban Health Center. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was performed on a sample of ECG collected consecutively over a 2-year period from patients of an urban Health Center. Readings were performed by general practitioners with experience and codified using Novacode. Results: 870 ECGs were included for analysis. 54,5% (CI95%: 51,2-57,8%) were normal. 601 abnormalities were found, the most prevalent were ST-T minor abnormalities, sinus bradycardia and borderline delay of right ventricular excitation, representing half the cases. 8 codes were needed for 75% and 17 codes to describe 95% of total. Multivariate analysis of factors associated with appearance of minor or major abnormalities showed statistical significance of the doc- tor who requests ECG (p<0,001), presence of previous history of cardiovascular disease (p<0,001), and presence of arterial hypertension (p=0,017) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (p=0,041). Conclusion: The majority of ECGs requested on Family Medicine office visits are normal and there are few detected abnormalities. These data are relevant to define the agenda for residence training and for continuous medical education on this medical specialty.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific