The Patterns and Prevalence of Electrocardiogram Abnormalities in High-Altitude Populations with Different Ethnic Backgrounds.

BACKGROUND

The ECG abnormalities differences between Tibetans who were born and raised at high altitude and Han who had migrated to high altitude remain unrecognized in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to investigate the patterns and prevalence of ECG abnormalities in Tibetan natives from China, and to compare them to matched Han ethnicity individuals.

METHODS

This study was a retrospective, comparative evaluation of the differences in ECG abnormalities between lifelong Tibetan natives and Han who had migrated to high altitude. ECG parameters (ventricular rate, PR interval, QRS duration, QT duration, and QTc), rhythm, voltage, and conduction were collected and compared.

RESULTS

The results of our study showed that ECG abnormalities consistent with right ventricular overload are less common in the Tibetan group than in the Han group. Additionally, participants in the Tibetan group reported a higher prevalence of early repolarization, atrial fibrillation, left ventricular hypertrophy, and left axis deviation than the Han group.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings in this study support and extend previous ECG observations in high-altitude residents. Future studies should clarify the clinical and prognostic significance of ECG abnormalities in high-altitude populations with different ethnic backgrounds.