Electrocardiographic Parameters in the Gomeran Giant Lizard, Gallotia bravoana

Abstract

Electrocardiographic parameters were determined for one of the most endangered species in the world, the Gomeran giant lizard, Gallotia bravoana , with a population of only ten captive individuals in the world. Heart rate, rhythm, amplitude of P, R, S and T waves, interval of RR, PR, QT and ST waves, duration of P, QRS, T waves, description of SV wave (representing depolarisation of the sinus venosus), mean electrical axis, and correlation with cloacal temperature and weight were determined in this population. Electrocardiographic tracings showed a positive QRS complex, presence o f an SV wave, and T waves occasionally negative. Positive correlation was observed between electrical axis and weight, P duration and ambient temperature, and S amplitude and cardiac frequency. Negative correlation was observed between electrical axis and cloacal temperature, S-T duration and the ambient temperature, R-R interval and the cloacal temperature, and R-R interval and cardiac frequency. This is the first complete description of the electrocardiographic parameters of a giant lizard of Lacertidae family and genus Gallotia.