Significant Prolongation of QTc-Interval in Overweight-Obese Hypertensive Patients Does Not Relate to the Obesity as a Risk Factor

Abstract

The duration of QT interval in the electrocardiograph record represents the ventricular repolarization. It is prolonged in women, ageing and using certain medications. In hypertensive patients, prolongation of QT interval is associated with cardiac risk factors and/or the complications of hypertension. This study aimed to measure the uncorrected (QT) and corrected (QTc) intervals using different formulas in overweight-obese patients with chronic hypertension. A total number of 25 healthy subjects and 30 hypertensive patients were enrolled in this study. An electronic 12- leads electrocardiograph (ECG) record was obtained from each subject and patients at the time of the study. Corrected (QTc) interval is determined using Bazett, Fridericia and Framingham formula formulas. Significant prolongation of QTc interval is observed in overweight obese hypertensive patients compared with corresponding normotensive healthy subjects. The mean values of QTc interval in women hypertensive patients were 0.534 msec., 0.510 msec., 0.502 msec. using Bazett, Fridericia and Framingham formula formulas that are significantly (p = 0.000) higher than corresponding values of 0.441 msec., 0.422 msec., 0.421 msec. in healthy subject respectively. In hypertensive men, the mean values are 0.510 msec., 0.492 msec., and 0.482 msec. compared with 0.433 msec., 0.413 msec., and 0.414 msec. respectively (p = 0.000). Non-significant correlations between body mass index, waist circumference or body fat percent with QT or QTc interval in normotensives and hypertensives are observed. We conclude that hypertension per se causes significant prolongation of QTc interval which is measured by different formulas, and this prolongation does not associate with obesity as a risk factor.

Keywords: QTc interval, hypertension, overweight-obese

Cite this Article

Al-Nimer MSM, HamaSalih RM. Significant Prolongation of QTc-Interval in Overweight-Obese Hypertensive Patients Does Not Relate to the Obesity as a Risk Factor. Research & Reviews: Journal of Health Professions. 2015; 5(1): 36–41p.