Bradyarrythmias: A Study of Anthropometric, Demographic and Comorbidity Profiles in an African Population

Abstract

Background: Bradyarrhythmias are a group of cardiac rhythm disorders that are characterized by bradycardia and they are cosmopolitan in distribution. Their demographic, anthropometric and comorbidity attributes are yet to be clearly established in Africa. Aims and Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the anthropometric, demographic and comorbidity factors in an African population. Methods: We got data from two groups of patients—Group A were bradyarrhythmia patients who already had permanent pacemaker insertion (PPI). Group B were non-cardiac non-debilitated patients of similar age bracket. The sample population consisted of referrals received via clinics, admission through the emergency centres and wards. Their bio-data, hospital identification numbers, ages and gender and other relevant parameters were carefully documented. The ensuing data was analyzed with SPSS 21 statistical software. Results: There were 31 patients in group A (17 male and 14 female patients) and 36 in group B (22 male and 14 female patients). They were all above 20 years of age. Group A had a mean age of 65.8 ± 4.76 years while group B had a mean age of 62.2 ± 4.47 years. Body Mass Index (BMI ≥ 25 Kg·m−2 ), elevated BP, and diabetes mellitus were important clinical attributes of bradyarrhythmias in the studied group. Discussion and Conclusion: Our study showed that the stated anthropometric, demographic and comorbidity parameters are important attributes for bradyarrhythmias in African population.