Introduction: Previous studies have shown that the interval between the peak-to-end of the T wave (Tpe) is a predictive factor for ventricular arrhythmias. We hypothesized that the short-term variability of the Tpe interval (TpeV) also indicates ventricular instability. The aim of this study was to establish TpeV measurement, and evaluate the association between the TpeV and heart disease.
Methods: . Bipolar electrocardiograms were recorded for 30 minutes in 26 patients with heart disease, 19 aged controls, and 22 young controls. We calculated the standard deviation of Tpe (SD-Tpe), with and without normalization with QT or RR intervals. We also analyzed the QT interval variability (QTV) and heart rate variability (SDNN).
Results: A 15 minute ECG recording was sufficient to obtain a reproducible SD-Tpe. There was no difference in SD-Tpe between the aged and young controls, but it was significantly increased in the patients with heart disease. The normalized SD-Tpe had the same results as SD-Tpe. QTV and SDNN did not correlate with SD-Tpe.
Conclusions: TpeV was calculated from a 15-minute ECG recording. TpeV was not affected by age, but increased with heart disease.