International Journal of Collaborative Research on Internal Medicine & Public Health

Anemia and the QT interval in hypertensive patients

Introduction: A prolonged ECG QT interval duration and an increased QT dispersion (QTd) are predictors of sudden cardiac death. Anemia is known as a marker of adverse outcome in cardiovascular disease.

Objective: The aim was to assess the relationship between anemia and QT intervals in hypertensive patients. Method: A total of 72 hypertensive patients underwent standard 12-lead ECG. QT intervals and QT dispersions were manually measured. Complete blood count was also assessed.

Result: Linear regression analysis revealed significant associations between prolonged QTc and increased QTd and anemia and macrocytosis, respectively. Multiple regression analysis revealed a significant association between red cell distribution width (RDW) >15% and prolonged heart rate corrected maximal QT interval duration (QTc) and QT interval in lead DII (QTIIc). The most sensitive and specific predictor of prolonged QTc and QTIIc was anisocytosis. Anemia was the most sensitive predictor of QTd > 60ms and macrocytosis, the most specific.

Conclusion: Anemia, macrocytosis and anisocytosis predict prolonged QT intervals in hypertensive patients.

Author(s): Ioana Mozos , Corina Serban , Rodica Mihaescu

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