Evolution of Early Repolarization Patterns after 5 Years in a Military Population at Low Cardiovascular Risk and Practical Implications in Military Medical Expertise. Issue 5 (13th November 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vinsonneau, Ulric; Pangnarind‐Heinz, Vanida; Paleiron, Nicolas; Heinz, Louis Marie; Rohel, Guenole; Piquemal, Marie; Castellant, Philippe; Abalea, Jerome; Mansourati, Jacques; Paule, Philippe
• Is Part Of: Annals of noninvasive electrocardiology. Volume 20:Issue 5(2015)
• Page Start: 420
• Page End: 425
• Publication Date: 2014-11-13
• Subjects: Electrocardiography -- Periodicals; Arrhythmia -- Periodicals; 616.1207547
• DOI: 10.1111/anec.12231
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1082-720X

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="anec12231-sec-0010" sec-type="section"> <title>Background</title> <p>The French military population is a young and athletic population with a high prevalence of early repolarization patterns (ERP) compared to the general population. Screening of military officers at risk of sudden death (SD) is a priority in military medical expertise. The aim of our study was to evaluate the prevalence of ERP and its evolution over a period of 5 years in a specific asymptomatic population, free of heart disease and cardiovascular risk factors.</p> </sec> <sec id="anec12231-sec-0020" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>From March to December 2008, we prospectively collected the electrocardiograms (ECGs) of military officers enlisted into the submarine forces of France. For 5 years (until 2012), the military officers included in the study underwent a clinical examination twice per year. A new ECG was carried out 5 years after the initial one.</p> </sec> <sec id="anec12231-sec-0030" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>A total of 250 male subjects were included (mean age 22.87 ± 0.5 years). The prevalence of ERP was 19.2%. The most common appearance was an elevation of a slurring type J point (31/48 or 64.5%) in inferolateral leads (18/48 or 37.8%). After 5 years, the prevalence of ERP was identical to that of the previous period (19.2%) with no change in appearance, distribution, and amplitude in 47 subjects (97.9%). Repolarization changed in two patients (one occurrence of ERP and one disappearance). During the 5 years of follow‐up, the subjects remained asymptomatic</p> </sec> <sec id="anec12231-sec-0040" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusion</title> <p>ERP is common in our population of young, athletic, and asymptomatic military officers and changes little in 5 years.</p> </sec> </abstract>