Fragmented QRS complexes in electrocardiogram and their relationship with somatic symptoms in postmenopausal women

Menopause significantly impacts cardiovascular health, yet the relationship between myocardial abnormalities and noncardiac symptoms in postmenopausal women remains underexplored. This study aims to investigate the association between fragmented QRS waves (fQRS) positivity on electrocardiograms (ECG) and somatic symptoms in postmenopausal women.

We included 623 postmenopausal women attending a menopause clinic for routine annual gynecological examinations. Women were categorized into fQRS-positive (n = 248) and fQRS-negative (n = 375) groups based on ECG results analyzed by a blinded cardiologist. The Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) was used to assess menopausal symptoms across three subscales: somatic, psychological, and urogenital. Data on demographics, physical activity, and medical history were also collected. Statistical analyses included comparisons of MRS scores, and a binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify the relationship between fQRS positivity and somatic symptoms. Adjusted models were created for potential confounders.

Women with fQRS positivity reported significantly higher somatic symptoms and total MRS scores compared to those without fQRS positivity. Specifically, higher scores were observed in the fQRS-positive group for the somatic subscale and total MRS score. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that fQRS positivity was significantly associated with somatic symptoms after adjusting for all confounders (odds ratio, 10.76; 95% CI, 7.21-16.07; P < 0.001).

Postmenopausal women with fQRS positivity on ECG exhibit a higher severity of somatic symptoms compared to those without fQRS positivity. These findings suggest a potential link between somatic symptoms and myocardial conduction abnormalities indicated by fQRS positivity. Further research is needed to clarify the underlying mechanisms of this association.