Influence of Bust Size and Waist Circumference on Electrocardiographic Left Ventricular Voltage Index in Blacks Africans

Background: Several studies have investigated on relationship between anthropometric characteristics andelectrocardiographic left ventricular mass (LVM). These studies, performed mainly in Caucasians, have mostlyfocused on influence of body mass index on left ventricular voltage indices (LVVI), and rarely on bust size and/or waist circumference.Aim: To determine influence of bust size and waist circumference on LVVI in healthy sedentary people of blackAfrican origin.Method: Experimental, prospective, cross-sectional descriptive study including 66 volunteers (20 women) aged 18to 35 years. They were received in morning on empty stomach. Bust size and waist circumference were measuredwith tape measure. Standard electrocardiogram was performed at rest. R and S wave amplitude and QRScomplex duration were measured. Sokolow-Lyon, R in aVL, Cornell and Cornell product indexes were calculated.Correlation was sought between each LVVI and anthropometric characteristics studied.Results: Bust size and waist circumference were positively correlated with LVVI. Correlation with bust size wasstatistically significant for all LVVI except for R in aVL index, while for waist circumference it was only significantwith R in aVL index.Conclusion: This study confirms relationship between anthropometric characteristics and LVVI. Therefore,interpretation of LVM anomalies from LVVI should also take into consideration morphotype of each individual.