Assessment of cardiac variables using a new electrocardiography lead system in horses

Research (Published online: 29-06-2020)

29. Assessment of cardiac variables using a new electrocardiography lead system in horses

Worakij Cherdchutham, Kanoklada Koomgun, Suchanan Singtoniwet, Napattra Wongsutthawart, Napass Nontakanun, Wipasitnee Wanmad and Soontaree Petchdee

Veterinary World, 13(6): 1229-1233

Worakij Cherdchutham: Department of Large Animal and Wildlife Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus 73140, Thailand.

Kanoklada Koomgun: Department of Large Animal and Wildlife Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus 73140, Thailand.

Suchanan Singtoniwet: Department of Large Animal and Wildlife Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus 73140, Thailand.

Napattra Wongsutthawart: Department of Large Animal and Wildlife Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus 73140, Thailand.

Napass Nontakanun: Department of Large Animal and Wildlife Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus 73140, Thailand.

Wipasitnee Wanmad: Department of Large Animal and Wildlife Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus 73140, Thailand.

Soontaree Petchdee: Department of Large Animal and Wildlife Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus 73140, Thailand.

doi: www.doi.org/10.14202/vetworld.2020.1229-1233

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Article history: Received: 13-01-2020, Accepted: 13-05-2020, Published online: 29-06-2020

Corresponding author: Soontaree Petchdee

E-mail: fvetstr@ku.ac.th

Citation: Cherdchutham W, Koomgun K, Singtoniwet S, Wongsutthawart N, Nontakanun N, Wanmad W, Petchdee S (2020) Assessment of cardiac variables using a new electrocardiography lead system in horses, Veterinary World, 13(6):1229-1233.

Abstract

Aim: The objective of this study was to assess a new lead system method to improve electrocardiographic measurement in horses.

Materials and Methods: Twenty-two horses with an average age of 8.8±0.8 years were enrolled in this study. Horses were divided into two groups, consisting of a control group (n=11) and athlete group (n=11). Electrocardiography (ECG) and echocardiography were performed to provide information on the structure and function of the heart. Two lead systems, base apex and modified precordial leads, were used for the electrocardiogram to assess the cardiac electrophysiological functions.

Results: PR interval, QT interval, and QRS-T angle presented significant differences between the control and athlete groups when the modified precordial lead system was used. However, significant variations in the mean electrical axis were found when the base apex lead system was used. The modified precordial lead system resulted in more significant differences in cardiac electrophysiological parameters than the base apex lead system. In the athlete group, echocardiography showed cardiac adaptations such as increases in the left atrial and left ventricular dimensions and stroke volume and a decrease in heart rate in response to exercise and training. The observed differences in cardiac morphology and function between groups suggested differences in health performance in the athlete group.

Conclusion: These data provided the first evidence that the modified precordial lead system improved statistical variation in ECG recording and provided the most reliable method for health screening in horses.

Keywords: echocardiography, electrocardiography, horse, non-invasive cardiac evaluation.