Correlation of Complex Ventricular Arrhythmias with Left Ventricular Hypertrophy and Their Prognostic Significances / 대한내과학회지

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Echocardiographically determined left ventricular hypertrophy is associated with increased risk for sudden cardiae death and for complex ventricular arrhythmias in 24-hour ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring. In subjects with left ventricular hypertrophy, the presence of asymptomatic complex ventricular arrhythmias is associated with higher incidence of sudden cardiac death and higher cardiovascular mortality. However, their accurate relationship and prognostic significances have been remained to be established. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between complex ventricular arrhythmias, left ventricular hypertrophy, and sudden cardiac death in Korean patients. METHODS: Twenty four hour ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring, echocardiographic data and medical records were reviewed in 360 subjects from 1991 to 1994. We evaluated the relationship between complex ventricular arrhythmias and left ventricular mass index, and the prognostic values of them. Of the 360 subjects, 187 could be followed up for one to four years. The mean follow-up period was 2.8 years. RESULTS: The incidence of complex ventricular arrhythmias was significantly correlated with left ventricular mass index and ejection fraction in all subjects. During the follow-up periods, seven of 187 subjects died from sudden cardiac death. Six of them had complex ventricular arrhythmias with left ventricular hypertrophy. CONCLUSION: The incidence of complex ventricular arrhythmias was significantly correlated with echocardiographically determined left ventricular hypertrophy and it is suggested that subjects with complex ventricular arrhythmias combined with left ventricular hypertrophy have higher risk for sudden cardiac death.