Remote monitoring and evolving profile of the electrocardiogram of a black African cohort in the business environment in the centre of Ivory Coast

Introduction The high prevalence of hypertension in businesses led a firm in Bouake (center of Ivory Coast) to add the electrocardiogram (ECG) to the annual check-up of its staff since 2010. Materials and methods This retrospective study analyzed comments from the cardiologist without any reinterpretation of the 855 ECGs teletransmitted from 2010 to 2015 to Bouaké. The major anomalies found since 2010 were monitored until 2015. Results On average, 142.5 ECGs were teletransmitted per year. The mean age was 42.3 ± 8.7 years. The percentage of mean ECG anomalies was 60.8% versus 56% in 2010 and 53% in 2015. There were 10.17% of hypertensive patients. The more recurrent ECG anomalies were incomplete right bundle branch blocks (IRBBB) with 13.92% and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in 13.85% of cases. The average rate of progression of these anomalies was 29% for IRBBB and 18% for LVH. Discussion The large number of IRBBBs is related to the age of the relatively young study population. LVH with a growth rate of 18% was found in this population where 10.17% of hypertensive case were counted as an important clinical parameter worth monitoring over time. Conclusion Remote monitoring of certain ECG parameters such as LVH in this group of workers, especially in hypertensive patients, is an important element to take into account in the management of hypertension.