Different body parts’ fat mass and corrected QT interval on the electrocardiogram: The Fasa PERSIAN Cohort Study

Abstract

Background Previous studies suggested that obesity and fat mass are associated with QT interval prolongation, but the role of different body parts' fat mass is unclear. The associations between total and regional fat mass (FM) and corrected QT interval (QTc) were investigated for the first time in this study. Methods In this sub-analysis of Fasa PERSIAN cohort Study data, 3217 subjects aged 35–70 entered our study. Body fat mass was assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis and QTc interval calculated by the QT interval measured by Cardiax® software from ECGs and Bazett’s formula. Uni- and multi-variable linear and logistic regression was performed in IBM SPSS Statistics v23. Results In males, the fat mass to fat-free mass (FM/FFM) ratio in the trunk, arms, total body, and legs were significantly higher in the prolonged QTc group (QTc > 450 ms). Trunk (B = 0.148), total (B = 0.137), arms (B = 0.124), legs (B = 0.107) fat mass index (FMI) showed significant positive relationship with continuous QTc (P-value < 0.001). Also, just the fat-free mass index of legs had significant positive associations with QTc interval (P-value < 0.05). Surprisingly, in females, the mean of FM/FFM ratio in trunk and legs in the normal QTc group had higher values than the prolonged QTc group (QTc > 470 ms). Also, none of the body composition variables had a significant correlation with continuous QTc. Conclusion Our study suggested that FMI ratios in the trunk, total body, arms, and legs were positively associated with QTc interval in males, respectively, from a higher to a lower beta-coefficient. Such associations were not seen in females. Our study implies that body fat mass may be an independent risk factor for higher QTc interval and, consequently, more cardiovascular events that should be investigated.

The Relationship between Body Composition and ECG Ventricular Activity in Young Adults

“…An important aspect to discuss is the causes of the association of QT prolongation with BFP increase. Several studies have shown that QT interval prolongation is common in obesity, and it shortens with weight loss [ 26 , 71 ]. It seems that the distribution of adipose tissue also influences the values of the QT interval, with upper body obesity exerting a more marked effect [ 72 ].…”

“…Another field of investigation with multiple practical applications refers to the study of the impact of changes in body composition on electrical heart activity. A common finding of some research is that obesity and an increase in BFP are associated with a higher QT interval of the electrocardiogram (ECG) in young males [ 26 ]. Even in healthy normal-weight subjects, increased BMI is related to some electrocardiographic alterations: increasing P-wave length, leftward shifting of the electrical axis of the heart, and decreasing Sokolow–Lyon index [ 27 ].…”

The Fasa Registry on Systolic Heart Failure (FaRSH): Feasibility Study and the First 5-year Reports

“…The first relates to the differences in baseline characteristics seen between the populations. Body fat mass, metabolic syndrome and its component, especially waist circumference and blood pressure, have been associated with electrocardiogram parameters and abnormalities [29,30] which may be factors associated to these differences in comparison to other populations. Second relates to the study sample selection between studies, as our study included individuals from a single center in Fasa city, and perhaps patients with more severe conditions are referred to centers in the main city of the province (Shiraz city).…”

Predictive value of clinical examination parameters for cardiovascular adverse events during treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia with tyrosine kinase inhibitors

“…In this study, the prevalence of QTc prolongation was significantly higher among patients who experienced CAE from the start of TKI therapy to the cardiovascular evaluation than among those who did not. Any change in the QT interval can reflect abnormalities in the two phases of the cardiomyocyte electrical cycle [36]. In addition, QTc prolongation is associated with arrhythmia, myocardial infarction, left ventricular dysfunction, and stroke [37][38][39].…”