A study of changes in heart rate and ECG during Second and Third trimester of Pregnancy-A comparative study Lissie Palaparthi1, Vadapalli Kiranmai1,*, David M. Anthony2, Sherke Bharathi Anil3, Karthik J.4 1Assistant Professor, Kamineni Institute of Medical Sciences, Nalgonda, Telangana 2Professor & HOD, Kamineni Institute of Medical Sciences, Nalgonda, Telangana 3Lecturer, Kamineni Institute of Medical Sciences, Nalgonda, Telangana 4PG Student, Dept. of Physiology, Kamineni Institute of Medical Sciences, Nalgonda, Telangana *Corresponding Author: Email: kiranmaiv888@rediffmail.com
Online published on 23 February, 2018. Abstract Introduction Physiological changes in the cardiovascular system (CVS) that occur during normal pregnancy facilitate the adaptation of the CVS to the increased metabolic needs of the mother, thus enabling adequate delivery of oxygenated blood to the peripheral tissues and fetus. These normally occurring changes in pregnancy sometimes simulate heart disease. It thus becomes essential to distinguish the physiological variations from pathological changes. Materials and Method A total of 150 healthy subjects were studied (50 non pregnant, 50 from 2nd trimester, 50 from 3rd trimester) for variations in heart rate and specific characteristic ECG waveforms. Results Significant increase in the heart rate with advancement of pregnancy as compared to non pregnant individuals was observed. PR interval, QTc showed significant changes not only in 2nd trimester as compared to non pregnant subjects but also in 3rd trimester as compared to 2nd trimester subjects. Conclusion ECG findings in Pregnancy should be interpreted with caution. Top Keywords Heart rate, ECG, Hemodynamics, Pregnancy. Top |