Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 25, 2026

Evaluation of Left Ventricular Structure and Function using 3D Echocardiography
06:34

Evaluation of Left Ventricular Structure and Function using 3D Echocardiography

Published on: October 28, 2020

Subclinical left ventricular dysfunction revealed by circumferential 2D strain imaging in patients with coronary

Guo-Hui Yan1, Mei Wang, Kai-Hang Yiu

  • 1Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.

Heart Rhythm
|January 17, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Fragmented QRS (fQRS) complexes in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients indicate subclinical left ventricular dysfunction. This finding predicts future cardiac events, highlighting fQRS as a significant prognostic marker.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Cardiac Electrophysiology
  • Cardiovascular Imaging

Background:

  • Fragmented QRS (fQRS) complexes on electrocardiograms are linked to adverse cardiac events in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients.
  • The prognostic significance of fQRS in relation to left ventricular (LV) function requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between fQRS complexes and global and regional LV function in patients with CAD.
  • To determine if fQRS predicts adverse cardiac events in this population.

Main Methods:

  • 176 CAD patients with narrow QRS and preserved LV ejection fraction (>45%) were studied.
  • 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography assessed global and segmental LV strains and strain rates.
  • Patients were prospectively followed for cardiac events.

Main Results:

  • fQRS complexes were present in 31% of patients.
  • fQRS group showed significantly reduced LV longitudinal, radial, and circumferential strains/strain rates.
  • fQRS was independently associated with decreased global circumferential strain and multivessel disease.
  • fQRS group had significantly lower event-free survival.

Conclusions:

  • fQRS complexes in CAD patients with preserved LV ejection fraction are associated with subclinical global and regional LV dysfunction.
  • fQRS identified by 2D speckle-tracking imaging serves as a predictor of adverse cardiac events.
Abstract

More Related Videos

High-frequency High-resolution Echocardiography: First Evidence on Non-invasive Repeated Measure of Myocardial Strain, Contractility, and Mitral Regurgitation in the Ischemia-reperfused Murine Heart11:50

High-frequency High-resolution Echocardiography: First Evidence on Non-invasive Repeated Measure of Myocardial Strain, Contractility, and Mitral Regurgitation in the Ischemia-reperfused Murine Heart

Published on: July 9, 2010

Transthoracic Speckle Tracking Echocardiography for the Quantitative Assessment of Left Ventricular Myocardial Deformation09:05

Transthoracic Speckle Tracking Echocardiography for the Quantitative Assessment of Left Ventricular Myocardial Deformation

Published on: October 20, 2016

Related Concept Videos

Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests01:23

Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests

Mitral stenosis is a heart condition in which the mitral valve, which allows blood to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle, becomes narrowed or stenotic. This narrowing hinders blood flow and leads to clinical symptoms requiring specific medical evaluations and management strategies. The following overview outlines the clinical symptoms, assessments, diagnostic findings, prevention methods, and treatments for mitral stenosis.Clinical ManifestationsDyspnea (shortness of breath): This...
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:22

Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Aortic valve regurgitation (AR) occurs when the aortic valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward from the aorta into the left ventricle. This backflow can result in two distinct clinical presentations: acute and chronic AR, each characterized by its own set of symptoms and physical findings.Acute Aortic RegurgitationAcute AR presents with a sudden onset of severe symptoms. Patients typically experience profound dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pain, and signs of left...
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations01:30

Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a primary health risk worldwide, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The condition arises from the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques within the coronary arteries, resulting in diminished blood supply to the heart muscle.The clinical manifestations of CAD vary widely, from asymptomatic stages to severe, life-threatening conditions. Understanding these manifestations is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management.Angina Pectoris: The Warning...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray01:20

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray

The most common cardiovascular diagnostic test is an X-ray. It produces images of the heart, blood vessels, and adjacent structures.
Definition and Purpose
An X-ray, or radiograph, is a non-invasive method that uses ionizing radiation to take images of internal structures. It is mainly used in cardiac imaging to examine the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels, aiming to identify abnormalities in the heart's size, shape, and position, such as heart failure, congenital defects, and vascular...
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy01:30

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...