QTc interval is associated with C-reactive protein in Novosibirsk residents regardless of cardiometabolic risk factors and coronary artery disease (within the ESSE-RF3 study)

Aim. To study the association of the QT interval with C-reactive protein (CRP) in combination with cardiometabolic risk factors and coronary artery disease (CAD) in a sample of Novosibirsk residents.

Material and methods. The study included 1042 Novosibirsk residents (men, 510 (48,9%)), aged 35-74 years (as part of the ESSERF3 study). The examination program included blood sampling, collection of demographic and social data, anthropometry, blood pressure measurement, and electrocardiography. CRP threshold value was considered to be ≥5 mg/l. CAD and its categories were established by Rose GA questionnaire and electrocardiogram assessment according to the Minnesota Code. The QT interval was measured in lead V5.

Results. The QTc interval correlates with age, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, triglycerides, blood glucose, and CRP. The QTc interval was directly and independently associated with age, female sex, blood pressure ≥140/90 mm Hg, fasting plasma glucose ≥6,1 mmol/L, CRP ≥5 mg/L, and CAD. The standardized QTc interval was longer in individuals with CRP ≥5 mg/L than in individuals with CRP <5 mg/L (400,71 [404,43; 397,05] vs, 393,98 [396,17; 391,80] ms).

Conclusion. In Novosibirsk residents, the QTc interval is associated with elevated CRP levels regardless of the presence of CAD and other cardiometabolic risk factors.

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