Effect of body position on electrocardiographic recordings in sheep

摘要

Electrocardiograms (ECG) and heart rate in 30 sheep were measured by base-apex and Y leads in standing position and right lateral recumbency. Sheep without sedation in right lateral recumbency had their legs maintained in the same position as in standing. There was agreement between ECG evaluations by Cohen’s Kappa scores ranging 0.67 to 0.78. Base lead P wave duration, P-R interval, Q-T interval and T wave duration values were greater in a standing position compared with same values measured by lateral recumbency. Y lead electrocardiographic parameters were not affected by position. We find that in sheep, a lateral recumbent position could provide more accurate electrocardiographic recording compared with a standing position, and recorded with base apex leads.