Electrocardiographic patterns in normal healthy Zambians

Abstract

Although abnormalities in the electrocardiograms have been described amongst peoples of the Negroid race, there does not appear to be a clear classification of these abnormalities. An attempt has been made to classify these abnormalities in a study amongst indigenous Zambians. There was no correlation between the electrolyte profile of the subjects under study and the electrocardiographic abnormalities could be a feature of individuals living in the tropics and subtropical areas. They are not necessarily confined to the peoples of the Negroid race. Environmental factors could be responsible in part for these abnormalities. We do not subscribe to the theory that electrolyte abnormalities are solely responsible for the abnormal electrocardiograms seen in the African.