Suboptimal glycemic control, independently of QT interval duration, is associated with increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias in a high-risk population.
BACKGROUND
Although cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in diabetic patients, little is known about the impact of glycemic control on ventricular tachycardia (VT).


OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is associated with increased incidence of VT.


METHODS
A retrospective study of 336 implantable cardioverter-defibrillator patients (both diabetes mellitus (DM) and non-DM) was conducted.


RESULTS
HbA1c levels between 8% and 10% had a significant association with spontaneous VT, but not with QT/QTc.


CONCLUSIONS
Glycemic index is a significant predictor of spontaneous VT, independently of QT interval. Optimal glycemic control may help reduce occurrence of VT and sudden cardiac death in high-risk DM patients.
Chen-Scarabelli
Carol
C
Division of Cardiology, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA. carol.chen-scarabelli@med.va.gov
Scarabelli
Tiziano M
TM
D000368:Aged; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004562:Electrocardiography; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000032:analysis; D038321:Glycemic Index; D006801:Humans; D006943:Hyperglycemia / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D017180:Tachycardia, Ventricular / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy
D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin