Abnormal T-wave axis is associated with coronary artery calcification in older adults.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether T-wave axis on the resting electrocardiogram (ECG) is associated with coronary artery calcification (CAC) score, a measurement of coronary atherosclerosis, in older adults.

METHODS

The sample consisted of 2004 adults aged 66 and over participating in the prospective, population-based Age-Gene/Environment Susceptibility-Reykjavik Study. The cohort was divided into gender-stratified quartiles based upon Agatston CAC score derived from computerized tomography. Frontal T-axis deviation from 45 degrees was assessed using surface ECG. Statistical analysis was performed with Tobit regression models adjusted for demographic and cardiovascular risk factors.

RESULTS

In the entire study population, T-axis deviation from 45 degrees was significantly associated with increasing CAC score in men (p<0.001) and women (p=0.03). In men without clinically recognized coronary heart disease (CHD), the association with CAC score remained statistically significant (p=0.02). This association was significant among women without CHD once male CAC cut points were used (p=0.05).

CONCLUSION

An abnormal T-wave axis is associated with an increasing CAC score in this population of Icelandic older adults. This association remains in the subgroup of subjects without clinical CHD.