Evaluation of Tp-e/QTc Ratio in Obesity

Abstract

Aim: We aimed to detect simple findings that might predict sudden cardiac death in electrocardiography recordings in obese patients. Materials and Methods: Patients were included in our study retrospectively. Two groups with body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2 (Group 1) and BMI <30 kg/m2 (Group 2) were sampled from the study population with similar baseline characteristics, biochemical and echocardiographic features. Ventricular repolarization parameters were compared between the two groups. The Tp-e interval was defined as the period of time between the T waves’ peak and their end. Tp-e/QTc ratio was calculated. Results: This study included 190 participants. There were no differences between the two groups in terms of age (p=0.42), diabetes (p=0.238), hypertension (p=0.877), smoking (p=1.000), medical treatment used, laboratory parameters, left ventricular ejection fraction (p=0.673), and left ventricular mass index (p=0.089). The QTc interval was similar between the groups (416.4±11.6 ms, and 422.1±14.8 ms; p=0.081). Tp-e, and Tp-e/QTc ratio were greater in Group 1 (93.1±6.2 ms, and 67.7±2.5 ms; p=0.00; 0.22±0.02, and 0.15±0.01; p=0.001). Twelve months after the first examinations, six deaths were noted in the obese group (p=0.001). Conclusion: Our study results showed that the Tp-e interval and Tp-e/QTc ratio were significantly increased, and sudden cardiac death was more common in patients with BMI ≥30 kg/m2.

Keywords

• arrhythmias
• ventricular tachycardia
• electrocardiography
• sudden cardiac death
• tp-e interval
• tp-e/qtc