Relation between fragmented QRS complex and cardio-ankle vascular index in asymptomatic subjects

Objectives Stiffness of large arteries has been related to cardiovascular mortality. Cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) is a novel marker of arterial stiffness. Herein, we aimed to study the relationship between fragmented QRS (fQRS) in electrocardiogram and CAVI. Methods Asymptomatic patients with fQRS and without fQRS were enrolled in the study consecutively. The fQRS complexes were analyzed in the 12-lead electrocardiogram. Arterial stiffness was assessed by using cardio ankle vascular index (CAVI). It was measured by a VaSera VS-1000 CAVI instrument. Results CAVI values of the patients with fQRS was significantly higher compared to those without fQRS (8.625 (7.9-9.2) versus 6.65 (6.7-8.4) p < .001). In a univariate analysis, it was revealed that there was a significant correlation between increased CAVI and fQRS, age, and epicardial fat thickness. Multiple binary logistic regression analysis revealed that age [95% confidence interval (CI): 1,068-1.214, p < .001] and fQRS [95% (CI): 1.766-23.117, p: 0.005] were the independent determinants of increased CAVI values. Conclusions ECG is a widely and readily available, inexpensive, reproducible technique that can be examined by almost every physician. fQRS values in electrocardiogram may provide a significant predictive value for arterial stiffness in asymptomatic subjects.

Automated summary

This study found a significant correlation between fQRS in electrocardiogram and CAVI, and identified age and fQRS as independent determinants of increased CAVI values. The results suggest that fQRS values in electrocardiogram may provide predictive value for arterial stiffness in asymptomatic subjects.