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The relationship between P wave dispersion and diastolic dysfunction.
Huseyin Gunduz1, Emrah Binak, Huseyin Arinc
1Department of Cardiology, Izzet Baysal Medical Faculty, Abant Izzet Baysal University, Bolu, Turkey. drhuseyingunduz@yahoo.com
Texas Heart Institute Journal
|August 19, 2005
Summary
P wave dispersion, a measure from electrocardiograms, is elevated in patients with diastolic dysfunction. This finding suggests a link between atrial electrical activity and impaired left ventricular filling, though not directly with severity or cause.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
- Cardiac Function
Background:
- P wave dispersion, measured via electrocardiogram, is a potential biomarker for atrial fibrillation risk.
- Left ventricular diastolic function is crucial for cardiac health and can be impaired in various heart conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between P wave dispersion and left ventricular diastolic function.
- To determine if P wave dispersion correlates with the presence, cause, or severity of diastolic dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- 133 patients were studied, categorized into those with and without diastolic dysfunction.
- P wave dispersion was calculated using minimum and maximum P wave durations from surface electrocardiograms.
- Echocardiographic parameters were used to assess diastolic dysfunction.
Main Results:
- Patients with diastolic dysfunction exhibited significantly higher P wave dispersion (53 +/- 9 ms) compared to controls (43 +/- 9 ms).
- P wave dispersion showed a trend of increasing with the stage of diastolic dysfunction, but this did not reach statistical significance.
- No significant difference in P wave dispersion was observed based on the cause of diastolic dysfunction (ischemic heart disease vs. left ventricular hypertrophy).
- A weak but significant correlation was found between P wave dispersion and left ventricular ejection fraction when other variables were considered.
Conclusions:
- P wave dispersion is increased in the presence of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction.
- The increase in P wave dispersion is not significantly related to the severity or cause of diastolic dysfunction.
- P wave dispersion may serve as an indicator of altered atrial electrical properties in diastolic dysfunction, with a weak link to overall cardiac efficiency.