Evaluation of electrocardiogram changes in obese children and comparing it with normal weight children

Obesity and overweight are one of the components of metabolic syndrome and the cause of cardiovascular disease and sudden cardiac death. Obesity is associated with a wide range of electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities.

This case-control study was performed on 50 children and adolescents aged 9 to 18 years in Birjand from May to October 2020. In the control group, 25 people with normal weight and in the case group, 25 people with obesity or overweight were included in the study. Individuals with a body mass index of 85-95 percent were defined as overweight, ones with a body mass index above the 95th percentile were defined as obese, and individuals with a body mass index below the 85th percentile were defined as normal. After clinical examination, height, weight and electrocardiogram indices were measured and compared by using statistical tests by SPSS (Version 19) software.

There were 15 boys in the control group and 17 boys in the case group. The mean age of the control and case groups was 11.28±2.13 and 10.96±1.97 years, respectively. The mean distance between the peak to the end of the T wave in the case group was 323.72±120.15 and in the control group was 79.20±13.06. The mean difference between the shortest and longest distance of TP-e in case group was 48±23.04 and in control group was 18.44±5.58, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the two indices (P<0.001). But in other variables, no statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups.

The results of the present study showed that obesity can have adverse effects on the ECG of children compared to normal-weight individuals. These changes are associated with an increased risk of arrhythmias. Given that these changes can be corrected with weight control, it is recommended to warn families and educate them to prevent and control overweight and obesity.