Regional left ventricular dysfunction and its association with complex ventricular arrhythmia, in chagasic patients with normal or borderline electrocardiogram

Introduction: Sudden death is the major cause of death among chagasic patients. A significant number of fatal events in patients without apparent heart disease and borderline electrocardiogram, but with contractile ventricular dysfunction, have been documented. This work aimed to determine the association between regional dysfunction and the presence of ventricular arrhythmia in chagasic patients without apparent heart disease. Methods: Forty-nine patients with normal or borderline electrocardiogram were submitted to echocardiogram, exercise stress test and Holter. The presence of cardiac contractile alterations and complex ventricular arrhythmia was analyzed. Statistic analysis used the general Log-Linear model. Results: Mean age 56 years-old; 55% women. Regional ventricular dysfunction was verified in 24.5% of patients; positive Holter in 12% and exercise stress test in 18%. An association between complex ventricular arrhythmia and contractile abnormalities in the presence of mild left ventricle dysfunction was verified. Conclusions: Regional contractile abnormalities with mild left ventricle dysfunction in Chagasic patients indicate a group with higher risk of complex ventricular arrhythmias, who require specific follow-up.