QT dispersion in dipper- and nondipper-type hypertension

The aim of this study was to identify the relationship of QT dispersion on 12-lead electrocardiograms and left ventricular mass index on echocardiograms associated with the circadian rhythm of blood pressure (BP). Heart rate and BP were monitored every 30 min for 48 h in 62 patients with essential hypertension using an ambulatory BP monitoring device. The patients were divided into four groups according to gender and circadian BP pattern (nocturnal BP dipper or nondipper). The patients were classified as dippers if their daytime BP decreased by at least 10% during the night and all the other subjects were classified as nondippers. Age, body mass index, and 48-h mean BP were similar among the four groups. During the night-rest period, the systolic and diastolic BP were significantly decreased in dipper-type hypertensives. The maximum QTc interval and QTc dispersion were longer in nondippers than in dippers. Left ventricular mass index (LVMI) had a tendency to increase in nondippers. The nocturnal reduction of BP significantly correlated with QTc dispersion and LVMI. The QTc dispersion significantly correlated with LVMI and interventricular septum thickness.