Relationship between anthropometric parameters and the location of apex beat in children

Abstract

Abstract Background: Childhood growth is characterized by changes in anthropometric parameters. The location of the apex beat may be similarly influenced by growth.

Objectives: The objective of thisstudy was to determine any relationship between the location of the apex beat and anthropometric parameters.

Subjects and Methods: This crosssectional survey was carried out in Sagamu, Nigeria. Apparently healthy children were randomly selected for the study. Apex beat location in the intercostal space was determined and distance from the midline was recorded. Weight and length/height were also recorded while Body Mass Index (BMI) and Body Surface Area (BSA) were calculated.

Results: A total of 237 children aged 12 hours to 10 years were surveyed. The mean distance of the apex beat from the midline from birth to 10 years ranged from 2.3cm to 6.4cm. The mean distance of apex beat from the midline increased progressively with weight, height, chest circumference and  BSA but not with BMI. Strong correlations were observed between distance of apex beat from the midline and weight (r = 0.850, p ˂ 0.001); height (r = 0.867, p ˂ 0.001); chest circumference (r = 0.833, p ˂ 0.001); BSA (r = 0.862, p ˂ 0.001) but not with Body Mass Index (r = 0.019, p = 0.774).

Conclusion: The location of the apex beat in children was strongly influenced by growth as suggested by anthropometric parameters.

Keywords: Anthropometry, apex beat, children, mid-clavicular line, nipple line