Caracterización electrocardiográfica y detección de arritmias en gatos domésticos adultos (Felis catus) de la parroquia “Ignacio Flores” de la ciudad Latacunga

Abstract

The present study aimed to characterize electrocardiographic parameters and identify the presence of cardiac arrhythmias in adult domestic cats (Felis catus) from the Ignacio Flores parish, located in the city of Latacunga, Ecuador. Cardiovascular diseases constitute a major cause of morbidity and mortality in felines, with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy being the most prevalent cardiac disorder worldwide, exhibiting an estimated prevalence of 10–15% among apparently healthy cats. Furthermore, international studies have demonstrated that up to 70% of cats presenting with conditions such as arterial thromboembolism have underlying cardiac disease, underscoring the importance of early diagnosis. Electrocardiography (ECG) is an essential diagnostic tool for assessing cardiac electrical activity and detecting arrhythmias, which may occur even in clinically asymptomatic patients. In Ecuador, information regarding electrocardiographic parameters in cats remains scarce, limiting clinical interpretation and the establishment of reference values adapted to local environmental conditions, particularly high- altitude settings. An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach was conducted in a population of 60 adult cats. Electrocardiographic variables, including waveforms, intervals, segments, and heart rate, were recorded, and analyzed in relation to individual animal characteristics. The findings enabled the establishment of preliminary descriptive electrocardiographic reference values and determined the frequency of electrocardiographic abnormalities, thereby contributing to the early diagnosis of cardiac disorders and strengthening veterinary cardiology within the regional context.