Coupling Interval Ratio Is Associated with Ventricular Premature Complex-Related Symptoms

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Frequent ventricular premature complex (VPC) is one of the most common arrhythmia syndromes. Symptoms observed frequently with this arrhythmia syndrome remain limited. We sought to identify predictors of VPC-related symptoms by analyzing demographic information, VPC burden, and VPC surface electrocardiogram characteristics. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 109 patients with idiopathic outflow tract VPCs (63 males, 49+/-16 years old). They were divided into Group A (n=30, without VPC-related symptoms of palpitations or "dropped beats") and Group B (n=79, with VPC-related symptoms). Measured parameters were sinus and VPC QRS width, coupling interval (CI) between the previous sinus beat and VPC, CI ratio (%, CI/sinus cycle length), post-VPC CI and CI ratio, and VPC amplitude. RESULTS: Both groups had similar age (p=0.22), daily VPC burden (p=0.15), and VPC site of origin (p=0.36). The VPC CI ratio was higher in Group B (60+/-15%) than in Group A (49+/-22%) (p=0.01). CONCLUSION: VPC-related symptoms are associated with a higher VPC CI ratio (>50%). The physiologic basis for these results deserves further study.