Effect of diuresis on P-wave duration and dispersion.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effects of changing volume status on P-wave duration and dispersion in patients with decompensated heart failure.


METHODS
Prospective analysis.


METHODS
Hospital cardiology unit.


METHODS
Twenty-one patients with symptoms of decompensated heart failure who were treated with diuretics on admission.


METHODS
Twelve-lead electrocardiograms were obtained at baseline and after diuresis. Average, minimum, and maximum P-wave duration and P-wave dispersion (minimum minus maximum duration) were determined.


RESULTS
P-wave duration was measured manually in all 12 leads by using a 0.5-mm-scale precision ruler and magnifying lens. After 40+/-23 hours of diuresis, 3+/-1 L of fluid was removed. A significant correlation was found between average P-wave duration and amount of fluid removed (r = -0.59, p=0.015). Also, average and maximum P-wave duration were significantly decreased with diuresis (p=0.001 and 0.022, respectively). No other P-wave variables were significantly affected.


CONCLUSIONS
Diuresis may attenuate electrophysiologic changes caused by fluid overload.
Song
Jessica
J
Drug Information Center, Hartford Hospital, Connecticut 06102-5037, USA.
Kalus
James S
JS
Caron
Michael F
MF
Kluger
Jeffrey
J
White
C Michael
CM
D000368:Aged; D004231:Diuresis / Q000502:physiology*; D004232:Diuretics / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004562:Electrocardiography; D004594:Electrophysiology; D005260:Female; D005665:Furosemide / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies
D004232:Diuretics; D005665:Furosemide