QT Dispersion As A Predictor of Coronary Slow Flow in Patients with Stable Coronary Artery Disease: A Clinical Tool for An Invasively Diagnosed Entity

Abstract

Background: QT dispersion is the interval between the longest QT (QTmax) as well as the shortest QT (QTmin) recorded on a surface 12-lead electrocardiogram. It has a predictive value for ventricular arrhythmias including patients with ischemic heart diseases as well. Coronary slow flow has been always an ambiguous entity on the scale of ischemic heart disease. The predictive value of QT dispersion for coronary slow flow may add a non-invasive tool for the identification of these patients. Objectives: Evaluation of QT dispersion in the prediction of coronary slow flow phenomena in patients having stable coronary artery disease experiencing coronary angiography. Results: In patients having coronary slow flow, QTc dispersion is prolonged. Conclusion:In patients having stable coronary artery disease, QTc dispersion can be employed as a simple non-invasive approach for predicting coronary slow flow; coronary slow flow is not necessarily associated with a benign course, as evidenced by the fact that these patients exhibit a prolonged QT dispersion.