Abstract P134: PR Interval Length is Associated With Presence of the White Matter Lesions: Insights From the Epidemiological LIFE-Adult Study

Abstract

Background: PR interval prolongation is associated with increased risk for atrial fibrillation (AF). AF is a known risk factor for cerebrovascular complications including microbleeds and stroke. This might explain the occurrence of white matter lesions (WML) and consequent cognitive dysfunction. The aim of the current study was to analyze the relationship between PR interval and WML in an epidemiological study. Methods: The LIFE-Adult-Study is a population-based cohort study of randomly selected participants from Leipzig, Germany. In this cross-sectional analysis, individuals without AF, with available brain MRI and ECG were included. The Fazekas scale was used to quantify the amount of WML and was graded into four Fazekas stages: 0=none; 1=punctate foci; 2= beginning confluence; 3=large confluent areas. Stages 2-3 were considered as advanced WML. Results: The study population comprised 2421 individuals (age 59±15 years, 1287 (53.2%) males). The median PR interval was 160 ms (IQR 143; 179). There were 319 (13.2%) individuals with advanced WML (stages 2 and 3). These probands were significantly older, had more often cardiovascular comorbidities, diabetes and stroke than patients without WML (all p<0.005). On univariable analysis, PR interval (OR 1.012, 95%CI 1.008-1.016, p≤0.001) and PR interval ≥160 ms (OR 2.1, 95%CI 1.6-2.7, p≤0.001) were significantly associated with advanced WML. On multivariable analysis, age, arterial hypertension, stroke and PR interval (OR 1.005, 95%CI 1.000-1.009, p=0.044) demonstrated significant association with advanced WML. Furthermore, in other multivariable model PR interval ≥160ms demonstrated significant association with WML (OR 1.431, 95%CI 1.089-1.881, p=0.010). Conclusions: The PR interval is associated with advanced WML.