P Wave Dispersion in Hypertensive Urgency

Abstract

Background and purpose: P wave dispersion (PWD) has been accepted as a predictor for atrial fibrillation (AF) in hypertension and some other cardiac diseases. The aim of this study was to compare the P wave parameters between patients with mild-moderate hypertension and those with hypertensive crises. Methods: A total of 48 patients, 24 of who presented to the emergency department with hypertensive urgency and 24 patients who were followed in the cardiology clinic with mild-moderate essential hypertension were included in this study. P wave durations were measured manually by two investigators blinded to data of patients. Results: The maximal duration of P wave (P-max) and the PWD were found to be significantly different between groups, being longer in patients with hypertensive urgency (p=0,05 and 0,02; respectively). Conclusions: PWD increases in hypertensive urgency states. Clinical implication of this finding should be addressed with further, prospective studies conducted on larger samples.