QT Dispersion in Healthy Adult Nigerians

Abstract

Background: Increase in QT dispersion (QTd) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
Objectives: This study sought to (i) determine the mean QTd and (ii) characterise QTd in a healthy Nigerian population.
Methods: One hundred healthy Nigerian adults were studied. Healthy status of the subjects was determined by history and physical examination. A resting 12- lead ECG was obtained from all subjects for determination of QTc, QTd and ECG left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) using Sokolow Lyon (SL) and Araoye's codes. Echocardiography was used to determine LV systolic function, LVM and LVMI for 60 subjects.
Results: The QTd ranged from 15-70ms with a mean value of 38.5±11.2ms. QTd was independent of age (p= 0.86), sex (p= 0.97), heart rate (p=0.22), blood pressure (p > 0.05), BMI (p=0.81), QTc (p=0.41), LVH (ECG and echo) and LV systolic function (p>0.05).
Conclusion: QT dispersion is independent of demographic parameters, LV systolic function and LV hypertrophy in healthy adult Nigerians.

Keywords: QT dispersion, Healthy, Adult Nigerians