Occurrence of Q wave, QTC interval and QRS frontal axis during different trimesters of Pregnancy A cross sectional study

In pregnant women, large number of local and systemic changes are known to occur. These changes will continue throughout pregnancy especially cardiovascular changes. Electrocardiography is one of the simplest techniques used to detect ischemic heart diseases, hypertensive heart diseases & asymptomatic arrhythmias. We included 150 pregnant women, 50 in each trimester and were compared with 50 age matched non pregnant women. ECG was recorded in all 12 leads. The values were expressed as Mean + SD and Z Test was used for comparison between control and study group. Categorical data was analyzed by Chi square test. A p value of 0.05 or less was considered as statistically significant. a statistically significant increase in QTc interval was observed.An increase in the QTc interval may be due to tachycardia. QRS Frontal axis showed a statistically significant decrease in 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters (p<0.001) of pregnancy when compared to non pregnant women. With increase in gestational age, position of heart changes from vertical to intermediate indicating that heart shifted to left with increase in gestational period. Occurrence of Q wave in lead III showed a statistically significant increase in 2nd (p<0.05) and 3rd trimesters (p<0.001) when compared to 1st trimester of pregnancy and control These changes may be either due to an increase in the circulating vasopressor agents or may reflect diaphragmatic changes that have been associated with pregnancy.