Effects of Wolff-Parkinson-White Pattern on Anthropometric Variables and Blood Pressure Indices among Adult Nigerians of Yoruba Ethnicity

Aims: This study assessed the effects of the Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) pattern on anthropometric parameters and cardiovascular indices.

Study Design: This was a descriptive retrospective study.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in the Department of Physiological Sciences between 2014 and 2016.

Methodology: The printouts of electrocardiogram (ECG obtained from a total of 9,826 young adults (aged 15-40 years) who presented for medical screening were reviewed, analyzed, and classified into two categories: groups A and B. Group A contained ECGs with features of the WPW pattern, while group B contained age- and sex-matched controls. Blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) obtained from each individual using digital BP measurements were recorded for the determination of Pulse Pressure (PP), Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP), and Rate Pressure Product (RPP). The recorded weight and height of the selected cases were obtained for the determination of body mass index (BMI) and body surface area (BSA)using the Quetelet index formula [BMI = (weight (kg)/height (m)2] and the Mosteller equation (BSA = square root of the height (cm) multiplied by the weight (kg) divided by 3600) respectively

Results: The mean SBP (mmHg), DBP (mmHg), HR (bpm), and PP (mmHg) for groups A and B were 118.09±12.54 and 114.82±8.99 (t=2.850, P=.490); 70.64±9.56 and 63.18±8.41 (t=.351, P=.066); 71.73±17.08 and 69.91±14.86 (t=1.951, P=.793); and 47.45±6.64 and 51.64±10.25 (t=2.049, P=0.269) respectively. The mean weight (kg), height (m), BSA (m2), and BMI for groups A and B were 52.25±7.25 and 57.50±7.59 (t=.196, P=.961); 1.70±0.06 and 1.70±0.09 (t=.713, P=.916); 1.68±0.16 and 1.68±0.15 (t=.083, P=.954); 20.75±2.23 and 20.80±1.74 (t=.362, P=.954) respectively.

Conclusion: The WPW pattern may occur among young adults without significantly altering cardiovascular or anthropometric indices.