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[Correlation between QT interval dispersion and ventricular arrhythmia in hypertension]
S Balanescu1, M Galinier, J Fourcade
1Service de cardiologie, hôpital universitaire de Bucarest, Roumanie.
Archives Des Maladies Du Coeur Et Des Vaisseaux
|August 1, 1996
Summary
Elevated QT interval dispersion (QTd) is linked to more severe ventricular arrhythmias in hypertensive patients with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). This suggests repolarization inhomogeneity may stem from LVH-induced changes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
- Hypertension Research
Background:
- Hypertension is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular events.
- Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a common complication of hypertension.
- Ventricular arrhythmias pose a risk for sudden cardiac death.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the relationship between QT interval dispersion (QTd) and ventricular arrhythmias in hypertensive patients.
- To explore correlations of QTd with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), late potentials (LP), and heart rate variability (HRV).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 12-lead ECGs in 230 hypertensive patients.
- 24-hour Holter monitoring for ventricular arrhythmias (Lown classification).
- Echocardiography for left ventricular mass index (LVMI); LP and HRV assessed in subsets.
Main Results:
- QTd strongly correlated with Lown arrhythmia severity (p < 0.0001).
- Elevated QTd observed in patients with LVH (p < 0.0001) and correlated with LVMI (r = 0.37).
- No significant correlation found between QTd and LP or HRV parameters.
Conclusions:
- Increased QTd is associated with more severe ventricular arrhythmias in hypertensive patients with LVH.
- LVH-induced structural changes likely contribute to repolarization inhomogeneity.
- QTd may serve as a marker for arrhythmia risk in this population.