The Burden of Ventricular Premature Complex Is Associated With Cardiovascular Mortality

Po-Tseng Lee1,2, Ting-Chun Huang1,2, Mu-Hsiang Huang2

  • 1Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.

Insights

A higher burden of ventricular premature complexes (VPCs), detected by Holter ECG, independently increases the risk of cardiovascular death. This finding highlights the prognostic significance of VPC frequency in patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Electrophysiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Ventricular premature complexes (VPCs) are common arrhythmias.
  • VPCs are linked to an elevated risk of heart failure (HF).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between VPC burden and long-term prognosis.
  • To clarify the role of VPC frequency in cardiovascular mortality.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective, large population-based cohort study in Taiwan.
  • Analysis of 19,527 patients undergoing 24-h Holter ECG monitoring.
  • Utilized NCKUH-EMR and NCKUH-Holter databases.

Main Results:

  • Moderate (1,000-10,000/day) and high (>10,000/day) VPC burdens were associated with increased cardiovascular death.
  • Low VPC burden (<1,000/day) served as the reference group.
  • Statistical models included Cox regression and competing risk analysis.

Conclusions:

  • Increased VPC burden via Holter ECG is an independent predictor of cardiovascular mortality.
  • VPC frequency is a significant factor in long-term cardiovascular prognosis.
Abstract

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