Relationship between QTc interval and left ventricular systolic functions in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy

AIM To examine the relationship between QTc interval and cardiac functions in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy( DCM). METHODS One hundred and three patients with DCM were divided into two groups according to QTc interval in ECG: QTc interval > 440 ms group( n = 59) and QTc interval440 ms group( n = 44). Cardiac structure and functions were determined by echocardiogram and were compared. RESULTS LVSDD and LVEDD in QTc interval > 440 ms group were significantly higher than those in QTc interval 440 ms group( both P < 0. 05). EF and FS in QTc interval > 440 ms group were significantly lower than those in QTc interval 440 ms group( both P < 0. 01). LVSSD and LVEDD were positively related to QTc interval( r = 0. 261,P < 0. 05; r = 0. 252,P < 0. 05). EF and FS were negatively related to QTc interval( r =- 0. 275,P < 0. 01; r =- 0. 304,P < 0. 01). CONCLUSION QTc interval is related to LVSDD,LVEDD and left ventricular systolic functions. QTc interval can be used as an evaluation marker of cardiac functions in patients with DCM.