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Relationship between premature ventricular complexes and stroke mortality in the general population. J Electrocardiol 2023;77:41-45

Date

12/31/2022

Pubmed ID

36584548

DOI

10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2022.12.004

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85144974201 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Predictors for increased stroke mortality identify those who may need closer monitoring and better hospital care. While the link between premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) and incident ischemic stroke has been reported, studies on the association with fatal stroke are non-existent.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined the association of PVCs with stroke mortality in 8047 participants (56.5 ± 0.39 years, 53% women, 80.9% Non-Hispanic Whites) without prior history of stroke from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. National Death Index was used to identify the date and cause of death. PVCs were detected from 12‑lead standard electrocardiograms. Cox proportional hazard analysis was used to examine the association between any PVC with stroke mortality.

RESULTS: Approximately 2.1% (n = 134) participants had PVCs at baseline. Over a median follow-up of 22 years, 337 fatal strokes occurred. More strokes occurred in participants with baseline PVCs compared to those without (unadjusted cumulative incidence of stroke 9.5% vs. 2.5% respectively, p-value 0.001). In a multivariable-adjusted model, the presence of PVC was associated with an increased risk of stroke mortality (HR (95%CI): 2.50 (1.15-5.43). This association was stronger in participants with coronary heart disease (CHD) than those without it (HR (95%CI): 5.98 (2.2-16.2) vs. 1.97 (0.75-5.1) respectively; interaction-p = 0.008).

CONCLUSIONS: PVCs are associated with an increased risk of stroke mortality, especially among individuals with CHD. Whether improved hospital care or modifying PVCs could change outcomes should be examined in prospective studies.

Author List

Ahmad MI, Soliman MZ, Soliman EZ

Author

Muhammad Imtiaz Ahmad MBBS Assistant Professor in the Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin




MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Coronary Disease
Electrocardiography
Female
Humans
Incidence
Male
Nutrition Surveys
Prospective Studies
Stroke
Ventricular Premature Complexes