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Cardiac conduction disturbances in rheumatologic disease: a cross-sectional study
Louis Gerges1, Kyla D'Angelo1, David Bass1
1Department of Cardiology, Nassau University Medical Center East Meadow, NY 11554, USA.
American Journal of Cardiovascular Disease
|March 16, 2022
Summary
Patients with rheumatologic disorders have a higher incidence of conduction abnormalities, which increase with age. Cardiologist involvement is also more likely in older patients with cardiovascular disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Rheumatology
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Cardiovascular abnormalities are frequent in rheumatologic disorders.
- Tachyarrhythmias are common, but bradyarrhythmias are less understood.
- This study investigates conduction disturbances in rheumatologic patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and predictors of bradyarrhythmias and conduction disturbances.
- To analyze the presence and impact of cardiologist management.
- To compare prevalence in rheumatologic patients versus the general population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 57 rheumatologic patients.
- Defined conduction disturbances via electrocardiogram (ECG) findings.
- Used univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.
Main Results:
- 31.6% of patients had conduction disturbances, exceeding general population rates.
- Increased age was a significant predictor for conduction disturbances (OR: 1.05).
- Older age (OR: 1.05) and cardiovascular disease (OR: 5.0) predicted cardiologist involvement.
Conclusions:
- Conduction abnormalities are more prevalent in rheumatologic patients.
- Age is a key factor associated with conduction abnormalities.
- Cardiologist involvement is linked to advanced age and cardiovascular disease in this cohort.
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