Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 3, 2025

Determining the Likelihood of Variant Pathogenicity Using Amino Acid-level Signal-to-Noise Analysis of Genetic Variation
07:15

Determining the Likelihood of Variant Pathogenicity Using Amino Acid-level Signal-to-Noise Analysis of Genetic Variation

Published on: January 16, 2019

11.1K

Using QRS loop descriptors to characterize the risk of sudden cardiac death in patients with structurally normal

Cheng-I Wu1,2, Yenn-Jiang Lin1,2, I-Hsin Lee3

  • 1Heart Rhythm Center, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.

Plos One
|February 16, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Non-invasive electrocardiography can predict sudden cardiac death (SCD) risk in healthy hearts. Specific QRS loop characteristics, like decreased loop area and increased V4-5 dispersion, identify individuals at higher risk for SCD.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Electrophysiology

Background:

  • The risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in individuals with structurally normal hearts is not well-understood.
  • Non-invasive electrocardiographic findings require further investigation for their predictive value in SCD.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate QRS vectorcardiography characteristics in patients with structurally normal hearts who experienced SCD.
  • To identify non-invasive electrocardiographic markers for SCD risk stratification.

Main Methods:

  • Enrolled 162 patients undergoing vectorcardiography, classified into SCD and control groups.
  • Analyzed QRS loop descriptors (loop area percentage, loop dispersion, inter-lead QRS dispersion) and other ECG parameters.
  • Utilized propensity analysis for comparing baseline characteristics between groups.

Main Results:

  • A smaller QRS loop area percentage was significantly associated with SCD (OR, 0.0003; P<0.001).
  • Increased V4-5 dispersion (OR, 1.04; P=0.002) and longer QRS duration (OR, 1.05; P=0.04) were linked to SCD.
  • QRS loop descriptors demonstrated predictive value for aborted SCD.

Conclusions:

  • Surface electrocardiography QRS loop descriptors can serve as non-invasive markers for identifying patients at risk of aborted SCD.
  • Decreased QRS loop area and elevated V4-5 dispersion are associated with increased SCD risk in structurally normal hearts.

More Related Videos

A Research Method For Detecting Transient Myocardial Ischemia In Patients With Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome Using Continuous ST-segment Analysis18:11

A Research Method For Detecting Transient Myocardial Ischemia In Patients With Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome Using Continuous ST-segment Analysis

Published on: December 28, 2012

24.4K
Primary Outcome Assessment in a Pig Model of Acute Myocardial Infarction14:19

Primary Outcome Assessment in a Pig Model of Acute Myocardial Infarction

Published on: October 14, 2016

11.7K

Related Concept Videos

Dysrhythmias V: Evaluating Dysrhythmias01:30

Dysrhythmias V: Evaluating Dysrhythmias

Dysrhythmias, also known as arrhythmias, are disturbances in the heart's rhythm that range from benign to life-threatening. A thorough evaluation is crucial for appropriate management and involves a comprehensive medical history, physical examination, and various diagnostic tests.Medical HistorySymptoms: Collect detailed information on palpitations, dizziness, syncope, chest pain, and fatigue. Note their onset, frequency, and triggers.Previous Cardiac Issues: Document any history of heart...
132
Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias01:18

Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias

Bradyarrhythmias are cardiac rhythm disorders characterized by a slower-than-normal heart rate, typically defined as fewer than 60 beats per minute. Some of which are discussed here:Sinus BradycardiaSinus bradycardia presents a heart rate lower than 60 beats per minute, with a regular rhythm originating from the SA node. The ECG typically shows normal P waves preceding each QRS complex, a normal PR interval (0.12 to 0.20 seconds), and a normal QRS duration (0.06 to 0.10 seconds).First-Degree AV...
139
Electrocardiogram01:29

Electrocardiogram

An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a critical diagnostic tool that records the electrical signals produced by the heart during each heartbeat. This recording is achieved through electrodes placed strategically on the arms, legs, and chest. The electrocardiograph amplifies these signals and produces 12 distinct tracings, offering a comprehensive understanding of the heart's electrical activity.
Three major waveforms are present in a typical ECG recording: the P wave, the QRS complex, and...
3.6K
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
78
Electrophysiology of Normal Cardiac Rhythm01:19

Electrophysiology of Normal Cardiac Rhythm

The normal cardiac rhythm is a synchronized electrical activity that facilitates the regular and coordinated contraction of the heart muscle. This process is essential for efficient blood circulation throughout the body. The fundamental elements involved in establishing and maintaining this rhythm include the unique electrical properties of cardiac muscle cells, the sinoatrial (SA) node's pacemaker function, the specialized conducting system, and the ionic mechanisms underlying each phase...
7.2K
Disturbances in Heart Rhythm01:29

Disturbances in Heart Rhythm

Arrhythmia or dysrhythmia refers to an abnormal heart rhythm caused by a defect in the heart's conduction system. It can cause the heart to beat irregularly, too quickly, or too slowly, leading to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting. Factors such as stress, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, certain drugs, congenital defects, diseases, and electrolyte abnormalities can trigger arrhythmias.
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
1.5K