Predictive value of frontal QRS-T angle after cardiac resynchronization therapy

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Medical Imaging
• Electrocardiography

Background:

• Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is a treatment for heart failure.
• Identifying patients who will benefit from CRT is essential for effective treatment.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters may predict CRT response.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the predictive role of the frontal QRS-T angle and other ECG parameters in patients receiving CRT.
• To determine if the frontal QRS-T angle can serve as an independent predictor of CRT response.

Main Methods:

• Seventy-seven heart failure patients with specific ejection fraction and QRS duration criteria were included.
• Patients were categorized as CRT responders or non-responders based on LVEF improvement post-implantation.
• The frontal QRS-T angle was calculated as the absolute difference between QRS and T wave axes.

Main Results:

• CRT responders showed significantly higher post-implantation LVEF.
• A narrowed post-implantation frontal QRS-T angle (<135 degrees), shorter QRS duration, and shorter cQT interval were observed in CRT responders.
• Multivariable regression identified the frontal QRS-T angle and age as independent predictors of CRT response.

Conclusions:

• A narrowed frontal QRS-T angle (<135 degrees) is associated with CRT response in heart failure patients.
• The frontal QRS-T angle, along with QRS duration and cQT interval, are valuable ECG markers for predicting CRT response.
• The frontal QRS-T angle emerges as a significant independent predictor for CRT efficacy.