A Cross-Sectional Study of Relation between QT Interval and T-Waves Variables in Hypertensive patients with and without Left Ventricular Hypertrophy - Abstract
Background: Hypertension is a major cardiovascular disorder associated with structural and electrical alterations of the heart, particularly the development
of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), which increases the risk of arrhythmias, heart failure, and sudden cardiac death. The electrocardiogram (ECG) is a simple
and widely available tool to assess these changes, where the QT interval reflects the total duration of ventricular depolarisation and repolarisation, and T-wave
variables indicate repolarisation heterogeneity. Prolongation of QT interval and abnormalities in T-wave morphology are considered markers of electrical
instability and arrhythmic risk. Hypertensive patients with LVH are believed to exhibit greater disturbances in these repolarisation indices compared to those
without LVH, yet the extent and clinical relevance of this relationship remain subjects of ongoing evaluation. Therefore, assessing the association between
QT interval and T-wave parameters in hypertensive patients with and without LVH may contribute to better risk stratification and improved management of
arrhythmic complications in this population.
Objectives: The objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between QT interval and T- wave variables in hypertensive patients with and without
left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). It aims to assess how hypertension-induced cardiac changes influence ventricular repolarization patterns. By analyzing
these electrocardiographic markers, the study seeks to identify potential differences in electrical activity between the two groups. This may help improve risk
stratification and early detection of arrhythmia susceptibility in hypertensive patients.
Study Design: A cross-sectional study.
Methods: This cross-sectional observational study will include hypertensive patients who will be divided into two groups: those with LVH and those without
LVH based on echocardiography. Patients with myocardial infarction, conduction abnormalities, electrolyte imbalance, pacemaker, or on QT-altering drugs will
be excluded. A standard 12-lead ECG will be recorded, and QT interval, QTc, QT dispersion and T-wave variables will be measured.
Results: Hypertensive patients with LVH showed significantly prolonged QT and QTc intervals compared to those without LVH.QT dispersion and T-wave
abnormalities, including increased Tp–Te interval, were more prominent in the LVH group. T-wave amplitude and morphology changes indicated greater
repolarisation heterogeneity in LVH patients. A significant association was observed between QT parameters and T-wave variables in hypertensive patients.
Conclusion: Hypertensive patients with LVH demonstrate greater repolarisation abnormalities than those without LVH.QT interval and T-wave variables
may serve as useful ECG markers for identifying increased arrhythmic risk in hypertensive patients.