The link between ventricular repolarization variables and arterial function

Abstract

Aim: To assess the relationship between repolarization variables and arterial function.

Methods: A total of 54 participants, aged 33±10years, underwent arteriography and standard 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG). Arteriography was performed using a noninvasive automated oscillometric method, assessing: brachial (Aix Brach) and aortic augmentation index (Aix Ao), pulse wave velocity (PWV), arterial age (AA), diastolic reflection area (DRA) and diastolic area index (DAI). Standard 12-lead ECG enabled measurement of QT and Tpeak-Tend (TpTe) intervals and TpTe/QT ratios.

Results: QT interval was prolonged in patients with elevated blood pressure or body mass index. Significant associations were found between electrocardiographic repolarization parameters, such as QT intervals, TpTe and TpTe/QT and arteriography variables, such as Aix Brach, Aix Ao, PWV and AA.

Conclusion: Prolonged QTc and Tpe are associated with endothelial dysfunction, arterial stiffness, impaired coronary perfusion and accelerated arterial aging.

Keywords: Arterial age; Arterial stiffness; Augmentation index; Endothelial dysfunction; QT interval; Tpeak-Tend interval.