ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Although electrocardiographic manifestations of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCMP) are usually nonspecific, several studies have suggested that electrocardiogram (ECG) might be used to predict the prognosis. METHODS: The present study was performed to determine the role of standard 12-lead ECG variables as a prognostic factor of patients with idiopathic DCMP. We retrospectively analyzed the ECG findings at the time of the diagnosis in 89 patients with DCMP during a mean follow-up period of 53.2+/-37.1 months. RESULTS: Twenty-eight (31.5%) of the 89 patients died and the cumulative survival rate was 87% at 2 years and 68% at 5 years. By univariate life table analysis, premature ventricular contraction, left bundle branch block, and age were proved as significant predictors. Multivariate analysis using Cox proportional hazards model identified premature ventricular contraction (p=0.014) and left bundle branch block (p=0.02) as an independent predictor for cardiovascular mortality in DCMP. The presence of a premature ventricular contraction increased the mortality 2.8 times and left bundle branch block 2.6 times. CONCLSUION: The present study demonstrates that independent ECG predictors for prognosis of idiopathic DCMP are premature ventricular contraction and left bundle branch block and ECG may be useful in predicting the prognosis of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.