A new Q/QS pattern on the resting electrocardiogram is associated with impaired insulin secretion and a poor prognosis in elderly men independently of history of myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate risk factors and prognosis of subjects who had developed a new Q/QS pattern on the resting electrocardiogram (ECG) in relation to history of myocardial infarction (MI).

DESIGN

Cross-sectional and prospective population-based cohort study.

SETTING

Uppsala, Sweden.

SUBJECTS

In 1970-73, all 50-year-old men in Uppsala, were invited to participate in a health survey aimed at identifying risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The present study included the 1221 subjects who also were re-examined at age 70.

RESULTS

Subjects with a new Q/QS pattern on the resting ECG at age 70 were characterized by impaired insulin secretion compared with those without Q/QS, and a higher prevalence of diabetes compared with the control group. In Cox proportional hazard analysis a new Q/QS pattern at age 70 was a significant predictor of cardiovascular mortality (hazard ratio : 1.67, 95% CI: 1.22-2.26) and total mortality (hazard ratio: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.04-1.62) (after age 70) during 9.4 years follow-up, also when adjusted for other risk factors and MI diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

The finding of a new Q/QS pattern on the resting ECG, regardless of history of MI was associated with impaired insulin secretion and was an independent predictor of total and cardiovascular mortality. Therefore, these subjects must be given a high priority to preventive measures against both coronary heart disease and diabetes.