The effect of low iron storage without Anaemia on electrocardiography
1Op. Dr. Ergun Ozdemir Gorele State Hospital, Department of Cardiology, Giresun, Turkey.
Insights
Low iron storage in women of childbearing age is linked to increased risk of heart rhythm problems. This study found lower ferritin levels correlated with higher fragmented QRS (fQRS) and Tp-e intervals, suggesting potential arrhythmogenic susceptibility.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
- Iron Metabolism
Background:
- Low iron storage is a global health concern.
- Previous research linked low iron to cardiovascular events, but not specific repolarization markers.
- The association between low iron storage and fragmented QRS (fQRS), Tpeak-Tend (Tp-e) interval, and Tp-e/QT ratios was unexamined in adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between iron storage levels and electrocardiographic repolarization parameters.
- To assess if low iron storage is associated with fragmented QRS (fQRS), Tp-e interval, and Tp-e/QT ratios in women of childbearing age.
Main Methods:
- A study included 201 women aged 18-50 without chronic or cardiac conditions.
- Participants were categorized into three groups based on ferritin levels (low, intermediate, high).
- Twelve-lead EKGs were analyzed to calculate fQRS, Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT, and Tp-e/QTc ratios.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT, Tp-e/QTc ratios, and fQRS were observed in the low iron storage group (ferritin < 15 ng/mL).
- A moderate, negative correlation was found between ferritin levels and Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT, Tp-e/QTc, and fQRS.
- These findings indicate that lower ferritin levels are associated with adverse electrocardiographic repolarization markers.
Conclusions:
- Low iron storage in healthy women of childbearing age may increase arrhythmogenic susceptibility.
- Elevated fQRS, Tp-e interval, and Tp-e/QT ratios associated with low iron suggest a potential risk for cardiac arrhythmias.
- Further research is warranted to explore the clinical implications of these findings.
Background:
Low iron storage is a common health problem around the world. Although the association of low iron storage with cardiovascular events and various electrocardiographic parameters has been investigated, its association with fragmented QRS (fQRS), Tpeak-Tend (Tp-e) interval, Tp-e/QT and Tp-e/QTc ratios, which are important criteria for repolarization, has not been studied in adults.
Methods:
A total of 201 female patients in the 18-50 age group with no history of chronic and cardiac disease or anaemia were included in the study. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on their ferritin levels. Twelve lead EKGs were obtained from each patient, and fQRS, Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT and Tp-e/QTc ratios were calculated manually.
Results:
A total of 201 female patients with an average age of 37 ± 9 were included in the study. Group 1 (ferritin<15 ng/mL) consisted of 79 (39.3%) patients, Group 2 (ferritin 15-30 ng/mL) consisted of 64 patients (31.8%) and Group 3 (ferritin≥30 ng/mL) consisted of 58 (28.9%) patients. Tp-e interval was significantly higher in Group 1 compared to Group 2 and 3 (p < 0.001). A similar relationship was also observed between Tp-e/QT, Tp-e/QTc and fQRS (p < 0.001). A moderate, negative relationship was found in the correlation analysis of Tp-e, Tp-e/QT, Tp-e/QTc and fQRS with ferritin value [r = -0.519 (p = 0.001), r = -0.485 (p = 0.001), r = -0.540 (p = 0.001) and r = -0.345 (p = 0.001), respectively].
Conclusion:
As a result of the study, it was found that low iron storage may increase arrhythmogenic susceptibility through increased fragmented QRS presence, increased Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT and Tp-e/QTc ratios in healthy women of childbearing age.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Electrocardiogram
Three major waveforms are present in a typical ECG recording: the P wave, the QRS complex, and...
01:26Exercise Stress Test
Exercise stress testing, commonly known as a treadmill test, is a noninvasive procedure used to evaluate cardiovascular function and diagnose heart conditions.
Definition
An exercise stress test measures the heart's response to exertion using a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Chest electrodes record the heart's electrical activity through an ECG, and blood pressure is monitored regularly.
Purposes
01:28Electrocardiogram Fundamentals
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a diagnostic tool for identifying cardiac conditions such as arrhythmias, conduction abnormalities, and myocardial ischemia.
Definition
An electrocardiogram (ECG) visualizes the heart's electrical activity by tracing the electrical movement associated with each heartbeat on a graph or monitor. As the heart beats, an electrical wave passes through it, correlating with the cardiac cycle events.
Parts of an ECG
An ECG utilizes electrodes on the skin...
01:29Disturbances in Heart Rhythm
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
01:30Dysrhythmias V: Evaluating Dysrhythmias
01:25Correlation between ECG and Cardiac Cycle
A cardiac action potential originates in the SA node and spreads throughout the atria and the AV node in approximately 0.03 seconds. This results in the P wave in an ECG and triggers atrial contraction. The action potential is then briefly slowed at the AV node, allowing the atria to contract and fill the ventricles with blood before...