CA-IMT and QT parameters in dyslipidemic patients in primary prevention at different ESC/EAS cardiovascular risk levels

Aim: The aim was to investigate the parameters of carotid artery intima media thicknes (CA-IMT), QT and corrected QT (QTcs) intervals at different cardiovascular risk levels (EAS/ESC guidelines). Methods: A total of 404 Italian patients (183 males and 222 females) were investigated. CA-IMT was measured by B-mode ultrasound. Heart rate and QT intervals were determined in the resting 12-lead ECG by an automated analysis program. Exclusion criteria were: cardiovascular disease, left or right bundle branch block, atrial fibrillation and use of medications affecting QT interval duration (e.g., beta-blockers, digoxin, anti-arrhythmics). EAS/ESC Low Risk Charts were used. Results: Males/females were divided into three different groups: low (n=15/23), moderate(n=104/180) and high/very high(n=64/19) cardiovascular risk levels. In both genders CA-IMTs mean and maximum were higher in high/very high group versus the other two. In males CA-IMTs mean and maximum were: in the low group (0.77-1.10 mm), in the moderate group (0.95-1.70 mm) and in the high/very high group (1.26-2.30 mm). The differences between groups were statistically significant (p< 0.01). In females CA-IMTs mean and maximum were: in the low group (0.81-1.20 mm), in the moderate group (1.02-1.85 mm) and in the high/very high (1.11-2.20 mm). Statistically significant differences were between low vs. moderate groups and low vs. high/very high groups (p< 0.01). Gender differences were found for QT and QTcs. In males QT and QTcs intervals increased with the cardiovascular risk levels (p< 0.01 in moderate vs. high/very high groups). In females instead the QT, QTcs intervals were shorter in the high/very high group vs. the low and moderate groups (p< 0.05 in moderate vs. high/very high groups).Conclusions: CA-IMT measurements may provide additional risk information in the two genders based on EAS/ESC guidelines. In males, in particular, an excellent correlation was detected between long QT, QTcs and raised CA-IMT levels.