Ilodibia TF, Odigwe CO, Anugweje KC. Electrocardiographic findings in Nigerian athletes with the sickle cell trait.
J Electrocardiol 2022;
74:40-42. [PMID:
35952551 DOI:
10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2022.07.073]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
In spite of the high prevalence of the sickle cell trait (SCT) in Nigeria, the electrocardiographic characteristics of SCT athletes remain unknown.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the electrocardiographic findings in athletes of the University of Port Harcourt based on hemoglobin genotype.
METHODS
76 athletes (41 males, 35 females) were recruited. All had normal ECGs and echocardiograms. The prevalence of SCT was 31.6%.
RESULTS
Mean heart rate was lower among the SCT athletes (57.3 [8.6] vs 64.6 [10.4] beats/min; p = .002; Hedges' g = 0.74). Mean T-wave axis was also higher among SCT athletes (39.1 [12.8] vs 32.3 [12.9] degrees; p = .036 Hedges' g = 0.53).
CONCLUSION
SCT is associated with significant electrocardiographic changes in Nigerian athletes. The biological basis and clinical significance of these changes are presently uncertain.
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