Analysis of T-wave Alternans in ambulatory recordings using the ADTWA index.

Abstract

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) are the most effective way of preventing sudden cardiac death (SCD). However, the implantation of an ICD is an invasive procedure with associated risks and a high cost. Therefore, it is necessary to determine non-invasive risk markers that identify patients at a higher risk of suffering malignant arrhytmias. One of the most promising non-invasive indices is T-wave alternans (TWA). This work assesses T-wave alternans using the Amplitude of Dominant T-Wave Alternans (ADTWA), that is derived from the dominant T wave associated to a number of consecutive beats. Data from 650 patients with heart failure enrolled in the MUSIC study were analyzed. ADTWA have higher values increasing heart rate. ADTWA was also significantly higher in SCD patients than in survivors (survivors vs. SCD: 6.60±1.98 vs. 7.55±2.53, p=0.01). ADTWA seems a promising index to identify patients with heart failure at higher risk of SCD.