The Relationship Between Aging and P Wave Dispersion

Abstract

Objective: Atrial fibrillation (AF), commonly observed in advanced ages, displays striking age dependent increase and increased P wave dispersion (PWD) has been shown to be a predictor of AF. In this study we sought to determine whether P wave duration and PWD increase with aging. Method and Results: Eighty-three elderly subjects (group-I mean age 75±8 years) and 40 healthy young subjects (group-II, mean age 37±6 years) participated in this study. 12-lead ECG recorded at a paper speed of 50mm/s was obtained from each participant. Maximum (Pmax) and minimum P wave duration (Pmin) was measured manually with a caliper and the difference between two values was defined as PWD. Pmax and PWD were significantly higher in group-I compared to group-II. (98±8 vs. 93±8 p=0.01, 41±12 vs. 34±13 p=0.002, respectively). Among the elderly population when those with cardiovascular disorders such as hypertension, coronary artery disease and heart failure were excluded, Pmax and PWD were still significantly higher than the young population. (Pmax: 98±7 vs. 93±7, p=0.02 and PWD: 42±11 vs. 34±13, p=0.002). Moreover, on correlation analysis a positive correlation was detected between Pmax and PWD and aging. (r=0.29, p=0.004; r=0.30, p=0.003 respectively). Conclusion: PWD shows age dependent increase and may be a useful marker for estimation the risk of developing AF seen in advanced ages