Prevalence of Increased QTc Dispersion Among Hypertensive Patients and Its Correlation to Clinical Risk Factors: A
Daniel Ohemeng Minkah Md Fwacp1, Isaac K Owusu2, Collins Kokuro3,2
1Internal Medicine, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, GHA.
Cureus
|March 20, 2024
Summary
Increased corrected QT dispersion (QTcd) is common in hypertensive Ghanaians, indicating a higher risk for ventricular arrhythmias. Measuring QTcd offers a simple, non-invasive method for cardiovascular risk assessment in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Hypertension prevalence is rising in sub-Saharan Africa, including Ghana.
- Hypertensive left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) can lead to arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death.
- Increased corrected QT dispersion (QTcd) is a marker for ventricular repolarization abnormalities and arrhythmia risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of increased QTcd in hypertensive Ghanaians.
- To assess QTcd as a potential screening tool for cardiovascular risk stratification in hypertensive patients.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 200 hypertensive patients and 200 normotensive controls.
- Data collection included clinical characteristics, physical examination, and resting 12-lead ECG.
- Assessment of increased QTcd and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) using Sokolow-Lyon criteria.
Main Results:
- Hypertensive patients showed significantly higher mean QTcd and LVH compared to controls.
- The prevalence of increased QTcd was 45.0% in hypertensive patients versus 16.5% in controls (OR=4.14, p<0.0000001).
- The study population was predominantly female (1:2.4 male:female ratio).
Conclusions:
- Increased QTcd is highly prevalent among hypertensive individuals in Ghana.
- QTcd measurement serves as an effective, non-invasive screening tool for cardiovascular risk stratification in hypertensive patients.
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