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Relationship between fragmented QRS complexes and left ventricular systolic and diastolic functions
A Canga1, S A Kocaman, M E Durakoğlugil
1Department of Cardiology, Rize Education and Research Hospital, 53020, Rize, Turkey.
Herz
|April 17, 2013
Summary
Fragmented QRS (fQRS) indicates impaired left ventricular systolic and diastolic functions. This finding suggests fQRS may signal underlying myocardial issues, impacting heart performance.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
- Cardiac Imaging
Background:
- Fragmented QRS complexes (fQRS) are linked to adverse cardiovascular outcomes, including sudden cardiac death.
- The relationship between fQRS and left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the hypothesis that fQRS presence is associated with LV systolic and diastolic dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- Echocardiographic parameters were assessed in 259 patients.
- Patients' echocardiographic data were compared with the presence and number of fragmented QRS (fQRS) on ECG.
Main Results:
- Patients with fQRS were older and had prolonged QRS duration and higher rates of Q waves.
- fQRS presence was associated with significantly worse LV systolic function (lower LVEF) and diastolic dysfunction (altered DT, IVRT, Em, and E/Em ratio).
- A significant negative correlation was found between the number of fQRS and LV systolic function, persisting after adjusting for age and gender.
Conclusions:
- Fragmented QRS (fQRS) is associated with both left ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction.
- fQRS may serve as an indicator of myocardial ischemia or scar, reflecting impaired cardiac function at a cellular level.
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