Prolongation of the heart rate-corrected QT interval is associated with cardiovascular diseases: Systematic review and meta-analysis

ESCAPE-NET Investigators

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Abstract

Background: Conflicting findings have described the association between prolonged heart rate-corrected QT interval (QTc) and cardiovascular disease. Aims: To identify articles investigating the association between QTc and cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality, and to summarize the available evidence for the general and type 2 diabetes populations. Methods: A systematic search was performed in PubMed and Embase in May 2022 to identify studies that investigated the association between QTc prolongation and cardiovascular disease in both the general and type 2 diabetes populations. Screening, full-text assessment, data extraction and risk of bias assessment were performed independently by two reviewers. Effect estimates were pooled across studies using random-effect models. Results: Of the 59 studies included, 36 qualified for meta-analysis. Meta-analysis of the general population studies showed a significant association for: overall cardiovascular disease (fatal and non-fatal) (hazard ratio [HR] 1.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.33–2.12; I2 = 69%); coronary heart disease (fatal and non-fatal) in women (HR 1.27, 95% CI 1.08–1.50; I2 = 38%; coronary heart disease (fatal and non-fatal) in men (HR 2.07, 95% CI 1.26–3.39; I2 = 78%); stroke (HR 1.59, 95% CI 1.29–1.96; I2 = 45%); sudden cardiac death (HR 1.60, 95% CI 1.14–2.25; I2 = 68%); and atrial fibrillation (HR 1.55, 95% CI 1.31–1.83; I2 = 0.0%). No significant association was found for cardiovascular disease in the type 2 diabetes population. Conclusion: QTc prolongation was associated with risk of cardiovascular disease in the general population, but not in the type 2 diabetes population.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)69-78
Number of pages10
JournalArchives of cardiovascular diseases
Volume116
Issue number2
Early online date2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2023

Keywords

  • Cardiovascular diseases
  • ESCAPE-NET
  • QT interval
  • QTc prolongation
  • Risk factors

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