A negative T-wave in electrocardiogram at 50 years predicted lifetime mortality in a random population-based cohort

• Background Severe electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities in asymptomatic subjects correlate with cardiovascular risk. Hypothesis The role of minor ECG abnormalities is less well-known. We evaluated the association between a negative T-wave and mortality, as a possible marker for prognosis. Methods A prospective, population-based cohort, examined at 50 years, and followed until death. Time to death (event rates) and predictive role of a negative T-wave (Cox regression) were analyzed. Results Participants (n = 839) with a negative T-wave (7.3%) had significantly higher blood pressure (BP) (mean systolic 157.9 mmHg vs 136.8 mmHg without negative T-wave,P= <.0001). A negative T-wave correlated with elevated risk (hazard ratio [HR] [95% CI] [confidence interval]) for all-cause and cardiovascular (CV) death (1.59 (1.20-2.11)P= .0012 vs 1.91 (1.34-2.73)P= .0004). The association remained after excluding coexisting Q/QS patterns and ST-junction/segment depression ECG abnormalities (1.66 [1.13-2.44]P= .0098 for all-cause vs 1.87 [1.13-3.09]P= .015 for CV death). Death from other causes was not associated with a negative T-wave. A major negative T-wave carried higher risk than a minor (2.17 [1.25-3.76]P= .0062 vs 1.78 [1.13-2.79]P= .012) for CV death. Conclusion A negative T-wave at 50 years, in asymptomatic individuals, carried an increased risk of all-cause and CV death during lifetime follow-up.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Kardiologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Cardiac and Cardiovascular Systems (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

cardiovascular diseases

electrocardiography

longevity

longitudinal

studies

mortality

T-wave inversion

coronary-heart-disease

left-ventricular hypertrophy

minor ecg

abnormalities

cardiovascular mortality

st

association

prevalence

hypertension

prognosis

risk

Cardiovascular System & Cardiology

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