Left ventricular geometry and function in early repolarization: results from the population-based Gutenberg Health...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Echocardiography
• Public Health

Background:

• Early repolarization (ER) is an electrocardiographic pattern associated with increased cardiac mortality.
• The underlying pathophysiology of ER remains largely unknown.
• Understanding ER's relationship with cardiac structure and function is crucial for risk stratification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between the early repolarization (ER) pattern and echocardiographic parameters of left ventricular structure and function in a community-based population.
• To identify demographic and clinical characteristics associated with ER.
• To explore potential sex differences in the association between ER and left ventricular characteristics.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the Gutenberg Health Study, including 13,878 participants.
• Assessed the presence of early repolarization (ER) using standard electrocardiography.
• Analyzed left ventricular structure and function using standard echocardiography, with multivariable-adjusted logistic regression.

Main Results:

• The prevalence of ER was 5.0%, higher in men (6.6%) than women (3.5%).
• In men, ER was associated with smaller left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic diameters and volumes.
• In women, similar but less pronounced associations were observed; ER was not linked to increased left ventricular mass or size.

Conclusions:

• Early repolarization in the community is more prevalent in men with a slender habitus and lower heart rate.
• ER is associated with smaller left ventricular dimensions and volumes, not increased mass or size.
• Systolic and diastolic function remained regular in individuals with ER, with comparable patterns in women, albeit less pronounced.