Short-Period Temporal Dispersion Repolarization Markers in Elderly Patients with Decompensated Heart Failure.

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Geriatrics
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Aging and chronic heart failure (CHF) contribute to temporal inhomogeneity in electrocardiogram (ECG) repolarization.
• Previous studies utilized short-term repolarization dispersion parameters as mortality risk markers in heart diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the risk of mortality or condition worsening in elderly CHF subjects using repolarization variables.
• To assess the predictive value of ECG repolarization parameters in a high-risk elderly population.

Main Methods:

• An observational, prospective cohort study involving 117 elderly patients with decompensated CHF.
• Collected 5-minute ECG recordings to analyze mean and standard deviation (SD) of QT end (QTe), QT peak (QTp), and T peak to T end (Te).
• Defined 30-day mortality and high NT-pro BNP levels (<75th percentile) as markers of decompensated CHF.

Main Results:

• Overall 30-day mortality rate was 23% (27 patients).
• Te mean (OR: 1.04) and NT-pro BNP (OR: 1.00) were associated with mortality risk.
• TeSD (OR: 1.36) and Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF) (OR: 0.91) were identified as markers for CHF worsening and complications.

Conclusions:

• In elderly patients with decompensated CHF, Te mean appears linked to mortality risk.
• TeSD may serve as a risk factor for CHF exacerbation and complications.
• These ECG-derived metrics offer potential for improved telemonitoring and treatment strategies in elderly CHF patients.