Clinical, Electrocardiographic and Echocardiographic Profiles of Elderly Hypertensive Patients in Gabon

Introduction: Hypertension in the elderly is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Our objectives were to describe the clinical, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic features of hypertension in elderly patients. Methods: We conducted a descriptive and cross-sectional study from January to September 2023. Elderly hypertensive patients aged 60 years and older, who were followed in the outpatient cardiology service at HIAOBO Hospital in Libreville, Gabon, were included. Statistical data were analyzed using Epi Info 7 software, and a p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 210 patients were included. The average age was 60 years with a female predominance (sex ratio of 0.85). The average blood pressure was 162/90 mmHg. Hypertension was controlled in 13% of cases. Electrocardiogram results showed rhythm disturbances (17.78%), left atrial enlargement (45.19%), left ventricular hypertrophy (28.85%), and two cases of complete atrioventricular block. The Holter ECG revealed four cases of non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (Lown stage IVb), six cases of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, and one case of paroxysmal atrial flutter. Echocardiography, performed in 140 patients, revealed left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), predominantly concentric, in 25 patients, more frequent in males (p = 0.04), and left atrial dilation in 56.42% of cases, more common in older patients (p = 0.01). Conclusion: Electrocardiographic and echocardiographic features in the elderly hypertensive population are characterized by left ventricular hypertrophy, particularly concentric hypertrophy, and the frequent occurrence of arrhythmias, sometimes detected by long-term electrocardiographic monitoring.