Association between self-reported hypertension onset age and electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy.

Objectively defined early-onset hypertension, based on repeated blood pressure measurements, is associated with greater odds of organ damage and cardiovascular mortality than late-onset hypertension. In this study we examined the association between two factors that are easily available in primary care, self-reported hypertension onset age and electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy (ECG-LVH), in a nationwide population sample of 2864 Finns aged ≥50 years. We observed that, in contrast to prior findings, the odds of ECG-LVH were similar between self-reported hypertension onset age groups, and thus self-reported early-onset hypertension does not seem to associate with ECG-LVH more strongly than simple presence of hypertension.

Electrocardiographic predictors of atrial fibrillation in nonhypertensive and hypertensive individuals.

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the predictive value of ECG abnormalities for atrial fibrillation in nonhypertensive versus hypertensive individuals.

Methods: We recorded ECG and measured conventional cardiovascular risk factors in a nationwide population-based sample of 5813 Finns. We divided the participants into nonhypertensive (n = 3148) and hypertensive (n = 2665) individuals and followed the participants for incident atrial fibrillation events.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone and risk of sudden cardiac death, total mortality and cardiovascular morbidity.

Background: Previous data on the association of thyroid function with total mortality, cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes and sudden cardiac death (SCD) are conflicting or limited. We investigated associations of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) with these outcomes in a nationwide population-based prospective cohort study.

Methods: We examined 5211 participants representative of the Finnish population aged ≥30 years in 2000-2001 and followed them for a median of 13.

Incidence rates, correlates, and prognosis of electrocardiographic P-wave abnormalities - a nationwide population-based study.

Background: Scant data exist on incidence rates, correlates, and prognosis of electrocardiographic P-wave abnormalities in the general population.

Methods: We recorded ECG and measured conventional cardiovascular risk factors in 5667 Finns who were followed up for incident atrial fibrillation (AF). We obtained repeat ECGs from 3089 individuals 11years later.

Prevalence and prognosis of ECG abnormalities in normotensive and hypertensive individuals.

Objective: To define the prevalence and prognosis of ECG abnormalities in hypertensive individuals.

Methods: ECG, blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors were recorded in a nationwide population sample of 5800 Finns. The presence of 15 ECG abnormalities was evaluated.