Ethnic differences in electrocardiogram between a black African and a white European young adult population under 35years

Background: Few studies have reported racial differences of electrocardiogram. Aim: To compare clinical and electrocardiographic parameters of black African and white European young adults. Materials and methods: Students from Cameroon (black group) and France (white group) were recruited (ratio 2/1). Resting ECG was recorded in supine position using a numerical electrocardiograph. Participants underwent demographic, clinical and ECG measurements. Results: We included 162 black and 81 white students (68% female), mean age 24. ±. 3. years. Longest QRS duration, sinus bradycardia, right bundle branch block and slurred pattern of repolarization were more common in whites (P<. 0.05) while longest PR interval (P<. 0.05), QRS microvoltage and positive T wave in lead V1 were more common in blacks (P<. 0.001). Conclusion: Most of ECG patterns are similar in these black and white individuals; particularly repolarization features. Positive T wave in V1 lead and isolated R wave microvoltage in aVL lead are predominant in blacks whereas slurring variant of early repolarization is more frequent in whites. © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS.