Rate-correction technique for QT interval in long-term telemetry ECG recording in beagle dogs

The establishment of a new rate-correction method for the QT interval is presented for long-term telemetry ECG recording in free-moving beagle dogs. First, in order to define the QT-RR relation to derive the correction formula, the diurnal variations of the QT and RR intervals and the influencing factors were analyzed, and the QT-RR regression coefficient beta was estimated under various conditions: steady and non-steady states of animal, light and dark periods, and over 24 h. In the results, the diurnal rhythm of the QT interval was synchronized with the RR interval reflecting the physical and emotional states of the animal. The coefficient beta had considerable variation during the day: beta; 0.276 +/- 0.052 (maximum to minimum: 0.495 to 0.153). Thus, it was considered that the ideal rate-correction technique for telemetry ECG requires the selection of a flexible coefficient beta adjusted to the condition of the measurement. Therefore, rate-correction utilizing analysis of covariance estimating the coefficient beta for each dog, was compared with previously proposed formulas which fix the rate-correction coefficient, based on the capacity to dissociate the effects of heart rate on the QT interval. This was then tested by the levels of discrimination apparent in the QT prolongation caused by a class III antiarrhythmic drug, which ranked the formulas on the levels of correction achieved as follows: covariance adjustment > Matsunaga > Van de Water > Bazett. Thus, the rate-correction method utilizing analysis of covariance is proven adequate for data from telemetry ECG recordings.