Novel indexes of arrhythmogenesis in preeclampsia: QT dispersion, Tp-e interval, and Tp-e/QT ratio

- Pregnancy itself act as an natural “stress test” unmasking underlying pathologies.
- Preeclampsia is a risk factor for future cardiovascular diseases.
- Women with a history of preeclampsia should be monitored more closely.

ObjectiveThere is increasing evidence that preeclampsia (PE) may also be a risk factor for future cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), including arrhythmia. In this study we aimed to evaluate the association between PE and ventricular repolarization using novel electrocardiogram markers: QT interval duration, Tp-e interval, and Tp-e/QT ratio.Materials and MethodsIn this controlled cross-sectional study sixty-four pregnant women with PE (31 with mild and 33 with severe disease) and 32 healthy women with uncomplicated pregnancies in the third trimester were compared by measuring QT parameters, Tp-e interval, and Tp-e/QT ratio.ResultsTp-e interval and Tp-e/QT ratio values were significantly higher in both the mild and severe PE groups compared to the healthy pregnant group.ConclusionPrevention of CVD requires that patients be aware of their risk factors, be educated about their risk, and perhaps most importantly perceive them to be at risk. In this study, we documented that PE has a significant effect on ventricular repolarization. This alteration could, in part, explain the increased cardiovascular risk in women with a history of PE. This important association can be used to screen women for increased risk in order to better target counseling regarding lifestyle modifications and to follow up and manage women with a history of hypertensive disease of pregnancy more closely.