QT-interval duration and mortality rate: results from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Extreme prolongation or reduction of the QT interval predisposes patients to malignant ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death, but the association of variations in the QT interval within a reference range with mortality end points in the general population is unclear.

Methods

We included 7828 men and women from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Baseline QT interval was measured via standard 12-lead electrocardiographic readings. Mortality end points were assessed through December 31, 2006 (2291 deaths).

Results

After an average follow-up of 13.7 years, the association between QT interval and mortality end points was U-shaped. The multivariate-adjusted hazard ratios comparing participants at or above the 95th percentile of

SUBMITTER: Zhang Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3339773 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature