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Prognostic significance of prolonged PR interval in the general population

Aapo L Aro1, Olli Anttonen, Tuomas Kerola

  • 1Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Haartmaninkatu 4, PL340, Helsinki 00029 HUS, Finland.

European Heart Journal
|May 17, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Prolonged PR interval, a heart rhythm finding, is common in middle-aged adults. This study found no increased mortality risk associated with this condition, and it often normalizes over time.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Electrocardiography
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Prolonged PR interval (first-degree AV block) was considered benign.
  • Recent data suggest a potential link to increased mortality and morbidity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the clinical and prognostic significance of prolonged PR interval.
  • Focus on a large middle-aged population with extended follow-up.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 12-lead ECGs from 10,785 individuals (aged 30-59).
  • Long-term follow-up (30 ± 11 years) for mortality and cardiovascular events.
  • Definition of prolonged PR interval as >200 ms, with further analysis at ≥220 ms.

Main Results:

  • 2.1% of subjects had prolonged PR interval (>200 ms) at baseline.
  • 30% of these individuals showed normalization of PR interval during follow-up.
  • No significant association found between prolonged PR interval and all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, or specific cardiovascular hospitalizations.

Conclusions:

  • Prolonged PR interval frequently normalizes in the middle-aged general population.
  • It is not linked to increased long-term all-cause or cardiovascular mortality risk.
Abstract

Keywords:
ElectrocardiographyFirst-degree AV-blockMortalityPR intervalPopulation

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