Predictive value of fragmented QRS wave in the degree of coronary artery stenosis and malignant arrhythmia in patients with suspected coronary heart disease

Abstract

Objective To study the predictive value of fragmented QRS(fQRS)wave for malignant arrhythmia and the severity of coronary artery stenosis in patients with suspected coronary heart disease. Methods A total of 492 patients with clinically suspected coronary heart disease were selected to perform a retrospective analysis and were hospitalized and underwent selective coronary angiography(CAG)from Baotou Central Hospital from January 2012 to December 2013.According to the standard 12 leads electrocardiogram(ECG)performed in first three days after admission, the subjects were divided into 2 groups: group with fQRS(n=271)and group without fQRS(n=221). The differences of baseline clinical information, the extent of coronary stenosis and the incidence of malignant arrhythmia were evaluated and compared between the 2 groups. Results The positive rate of CAG in fQRS positive group was significantly higher than that of fQRS negative group(86.7% vs. 66.1%, χ2=29.718, P<0.001). In addition, the incidence of malignant arrhythmia in fQRS positive group was significantly higher than that in fQRS negative group(8.1% vs. 3.2%, χ2=5.379, P=0.02). Conclusions The fQRS has a high predictive value for malignant arrhythmia and the severity of coronary artery stenosis in patients with suspected coronary heart disease. Key words: Fragmented QRS complex; Coronary artery disease; Malignant arrhythmia