The link between ventricular repolarization variables and arterial function

•Electrocardiographic repolarization parameters are linked to arteriography variables.•Prolonged QTc and Tpe are associated with endothelial dysfunction, arterial stiffness, impaired coronary perfusion and accelerated arterial aging.

AimTo assess the relationship between repolarization variables and arterial function.MethodsA total of 54 participants, aged 33 ± 10 years, underwent arteriography and standard 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG). Arteriography was performed using a noninvasive automated oscillometric method, assessing: brachial (Aix Brach) and aortic augmentation index (Aix Ao), pulse wave velocity (PWV), arterial age (AA), diastolic reflection area (DRA) and diastolic area index (DAI). Standard 12-lead ECG enabled measurement of QT and Tpeak-Tend (TpTe) intervals and TpTe/QT ratios.ResultsQT interval was prolonged in patients with elevated blood pressure or body mass index. Significant associations were found between electrocardiographic repolarization parameters, such as QT intervals, TpTe and TpTe/QT and arteriography variables, such as Aix Brach, Aix Ao, PWV and AA.ConclusionProlonged QTc and Tpe are associated with endothelial dysfunction, arterial stiffness, impaired coronary perfusion and accelerated arterial aging.