Electrocardiographic Findings Among FirstYear Students at the Time of Admission: A Cross-Sectional Study of 100 Students

Abstract

Electrocardiography (ECG) is a widely used, non-invasive tool for early detection of cardiac abnormalities. Although generally healthy, young adults may exhibit clinically silent arrhythmias or conduction abnormalities detectable on ECG.

Objective: To evaluate ECG patterns in 100 first-year students at the time of admission and determine the prevalence of normal and abnormal ECG findings.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 first-year students undergoing routine medical examination. Standard 12-lead ECGs were analyzed and categorized into normal, sinus tachycardia, bradycardia, axis deviations, ST-T changes, conduction blocks, and arrhythmias.

Results: Most students had normal ECGs (82%). Abnormal ECGs were observed in 18% of students, including sinus tachycardia (6%), sinus bradycardia (4%), incomplete right bundle branch block (3%), left axis deviation (2%), early repolarization pattern (2%), and nonspecific ST-T changes (1%). No life-threatening arrhythmias or major conduction abnormalities were detected.

Conclusion: The majority of first-year students exhibited normal ECG patterns. Mild physiological variations such as sinus tachycardia, bradycardia, and early repolarization were the most common abnormalities. Routine screening ECG at admission may help in early identification of clinically silent cardiac abnormalities.