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Electrocardiographic predictors of sudden cardiac death in patients with left ventricular hypertrophy

Ragesh Panikkath1, Kyndaron Reinier, Audrey Uy-Evanado

  • 1Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA.

Annals of Noninvasive Electrocardiology : the Official Journal of the International Society for Holter and Noninvasive Electrocardiology, Inc
|May 30, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Prolonged QTc intervals are linked to sudden cardiac death (SCD) in patients with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). This finding may improve risk stratification for SCD in LVH patients.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Electrophysiology
  • Medical Diagnostics

Background:

  • Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a known risk factor for sudden cardiac death (SCD).
  • Current risk stratification methods for SCD in LVH require enhancement.
  • Electrocardiographic (EKG) intervals are being investigated as potential markers for SCD risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate electrocardiographic intervals as potential markers of SCD risk in individuals with LVH.
  • To determine if specific EKG intervals can predict SCD in the LVH population.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of consecutive SCD cases with LVH from the Oregon Sudden Unexpected Death study.
  • Comparison of EKG intervals (QTc, QRS, JT) and clinical data between SCD cases and matched controls.
  • LVH assessment using the modified American Society of Echocardiography equation; statistical analysis via t-tests, chi-square, and logistic regression.

Main Results:

  • No significant difference in LV mass index between cases and controls.
  • Significantly higher mean QTc (470.6 ms vs 440.7 ms) and QRS duration (113.6 ms vs 104.9 ms) in SCD cases compared to controls.
  • Prolonged QTc interval was independently associated with SCD in logistic regression (OR 1.72).

Conclusions:

  • Prolonged QTc interval is independently associated with SCD in patients with LVH.
  • QTc interval warrants further investigation as a predictive marker for SCD in LVH.
  • Improved risk stratification for SCD in LVH may be achieved through EKG interval analysis.
Abstract

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