The association of the metabolic syndrome with QTc interval in NHANES III.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the relationship of metabolic syndrome with corrected QT interval duration.


METHODS
In a cross-sectional analysis of NHANES III, a representative sample of the adult US population, 3,495 individuals aged > or =40 years were categorized as having metabolic syndrome and not having metabolic syndrome as defined by ATP III. QT interval was measured from the standard 12-lead electrocardiogram.


RESULTS
A weighted multi-linear regression analysis adjusted for age, gender, serum calcium, and potassium showed that metabolic syndrome was significantly associated with a corrected QT interval in milliseconds. The adjusted Beta coefficient and its corresponding standard error were (4.48 milliseconds, 0.95 milliseconds, P < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
These data indicate that metabolic syndrome is independently associated with a corrected QT interval duration. This study calls for careful ECG monitoring among persons with metabolic syndrome for early detection of a long corrected QT interval in order to prevent severe and often fatal arrhythmias.
Department of Preventive Medicine, Menufiya University, Menufiya, Egypt. melfaram@yahoo.edu
Mohammed F
MF
Faramawi
Rachel P
RP
Wildman
Jeanette
J
Gustat
Janet
J
Rice
Mohammed Y
MY
Abdul Kareem
D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D015995:Prevalence; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology